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4a
difficulties experienced has been with overcrowding in large houses
which are divided into tenements. This is becoming more prevalent,
and it is not possible to do anything effective under present
housing legislation.
A section has been devoted to the Obstetric Service conducted
by Officers of the Council. This scheme is one of the most comprehensive
in operation and fulfils practically all the fundamental
requirements of an adequate maternity service, as formulated in
the final report of the Departmental Committee of the Ministry
of Health on Maternal Mortalty. Its influence on maternal
mortality and morbidity in Croydon will depend upon the use
made of its facilities by that section of the population for whom it
is intended.
The figures given, and the scope of the sections detailed
indicate to what an extent the Public Health Service has become
an integral part of the civic economy. There are few aspects in
the life of citizens which are not, in some way or other, concerned
in its activities. As the density of population increases it becomes
more than ever imperative to maintain a high level of sanitation
and of efficiency if the present position of the Public Health is to
be maintained. Lack of interest in, and ignorance of, the duties
of health authorities, are the greatest obstacles to further progress
and a proper valuation of the value of the services which they
maintain. It is better, and in the end more economical, to prevent
than to cure. This object must always be kept in mind, and it
will be fatal to success if the curative functions, which have been
transferred to Health Authorities under the Local Government
Act, are allowed to overshadow the original function of prevention.
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.