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but about half of the carbonacious matter or smoke is derived from
domestic fires so that it is a public health matter affecting every
town to some degree. This pollution represents continuous waste
of fuel which may emphasise the economic side as well as the medical
aspects of. the problem, even in a Borough of this character with
its 1,148 acres of well preserved public parks and open spaces.
I wish to bring one further matter to your attention.
Modern Child Guidance comprises work in maternity and
child welfare clinics, in schools, by selection and grading of pupils
and by special teaching methods ; in foster-homes, boarding homes,
and residential schools ; in children's hospitals, notably orthopaedic
and fever; and finally diagnosis and disposal and. treatment at
the Clinic itself, in work in the home, and in the provision of special
hostels for treatment. In future, therefore, regional hospital
boards, local health authorities, local education authorities and the
Home Office are all concerned, with the local education authority
having a pre-eminence of interest.
It seems logical therefore for this great preventive mental
health service of childhood to remain an integral part of the
education system, and there is no paramount administrative reason
for changing the existing arrangements by which the Child Guidance
is administered by the School Health Sendee. The demand for
this form of treatment is growing in the Borough and plans are in
hand for the enlargement of the facilities provided,
In conclusion J wish to thank the staff of the department for
their help so freely given during a particularly onerous period,
and members of the Council for their unfailing assistance and
support in our endeavours.
I have the honour to be
Your obedient servant,
REGINALD LEADER,
Medical Officer of Health.