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9
downward trend, this time, I am glad to say, leading the way. It
is not surprising that the arctic weather conditions experienced in
the early part of the year were reflected in unusually high sickness
figures during this quarter, and also in the small increase in the
general death rate, though the latter was much less than might
have been anticipated. An apparent improvement in the mortality
from lung cancer, and increase in mortality from other forms of
cancer, are likely to prove to be chance statistical fluctuations,
rather than indicative of any trend. Certainly no improvement in
the lung cancer situation can be anticipated unless the nation's
smoking habits undergo a drastic change, a view which has gained
further support during the year by the publication of the comprehensive
study undertaken for the American Government.
In the preparation of the annual report one is always conscious
of the assistance one receives from others, and once again
this year I have to express my gratitude to Mr. Kermode, the Chief
Public Health Inspector, for the very major part he has played
in its production. I should like to thank him and my deputy
Dr. Kelynack for their loyal and efficient service during an
exceptionally busy year. My thanks are also due to the Inspectors,
Office staff, and Outdoor staff for their sustained efforts throughout
the year, which have achieved the vast amount of work which
forms the subject matter of much of the body of this report.
Lastly, but by no means least, I should like to thank the
Chairman and Members of the Public Health Committee for their
kindness and thoughtfulness to me during the nine years in which
I have endeavoured to serve them as their Medical Officer of
Health, and for the interest they have consistently shown in all
matters affecting local health.
I am,
Your obedient Servant,
H. B. C. CARTER-LOCKE,
Medical Officer of Health