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at Chertsey with the intention of establishing a Colony for
mentally defective persons. When this project matures the
present difficulties will be met; but for the next two or three vears
the position will not shew much easement. A gradually increasing
number of defectives have, in consequence, to be placed under
guardianship. As this does not afford any means for proper
training, it is not always the best method, but, in the face of
circumstances, it is, for many cases, the only method.
Orthopaedics.— This department has continued to expand. The
gross deformities so often seen in years past are far less frequently
encountered now. There are, however, a considerable number
of minor deformities needing correction, and it is especially with
these cases the orthopaedic work exerts its most useful preventive
and curative functions. The Remedial Exercises Clinic held in
St. Andrew's Hall, Pump Pail, by a whole-time remedial
gymnast on the Council's staff, works in conjunction with the
Orthopædic Surgeon.
Propaganda.— This side of public health activity, the importance
of which is increasingly stressed, has not been neglected.
The localised edition of "Better Health" has continued its
monthly issues, and no difficulty has been experienced in disposing
of 4,000 copies a month. Addresses have been given, on
request, to various Ratepayers' Associations in the town, and
though the attendances have not always been large, the audiences
have made up in the interest displayed. It is all to the advantage
of the Public Health Department that the extent and variety of
its ramifications should become more widely known. Ignorance
and lack of interest are the two great obstructions to appreciation
and progress.
In conclusion, I wish to tender my thanks to the Chairman
and members of the Public Health Committee, the Mental
Deficiency Committee, and the various Subcommittees for the
sympathetic consideration they have given to any proposals I
have submitted to them, and for the interest they have taken in
the work of the Department as a whole and in its various parts.
The staff have carried out their duties in a satisfactory
manner. In particular, I wish to thank Dr. W. B. Watson, the
Deputy Medical Officer of Health, for his unfailing and unstinted
help at all times.
I am,
Yours faithfully,
OSCAR M. HOLDEN,
Medical Officer of Health.