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4
The report, being divided into sections, presents the statistical
details of each phase of the work under the appropriate heading.
The facts given indicate how much the Public Health Service has
become an integral part of the civic economy, and that there are
lew aspects in the life of a citizen which are not, in some wav
or other, affected by its activities. As the density of population
increases it becomes more than ever necessary to maintain a high
level of sanitation and personal hygiene if the present position of
the general health is to be maintained. Ignorance of its true
objects, or lack of interest in its activities, are the great obstacles
to a proper valuation of the part played by the Public Health
services in force throughout the country. In a time when
economy is abroad, schemes which have as their object the betterment
of health, the reduction of avoidable ill-health, and the
prolongation of life are economy, because there is nothing so
extravagant as avoidable illness.
May I tender my thanks to the Chairman and Members of
the Committee, the Chairman and Members of the Mental Deficiency
Committee, the Housing Committee, and the various Subcommittees
for the sympathetic consideration they have given to
proposals submitted to them and for the interest they have taken
in the work of the department.
The staff of the department have carried out their duties in a
satisfactory manner, and especially I would like to mention the
Deputy Medical Officer of Health, Dr. W. B. Watson, whose continued
co-operation at all times has been of great value; the Chief
Sanitary Inspector, Mr. R. J. Jackson, and the clerical staff, whose
duties are steadily increasing.
I am ,
Yours faithfully,
OSCAR M. HODDEN.
Medical Officer of Health.