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Samples are also sent periodically to independent analysts
in London for their examination and the following report is
characteristic of such examinations:—
"This is a clear and bright water free from odour
and taste and neutral in re-action. It is hard in character,
free from metals and contains no excess of saline matter.
Both organically and bacteriologically the water is
of a high degree of purity and is a pure and wholesome
water suitable for public supply purposes."
Diphtheria Prophylaxis.
Diphtheria immunisation is steadily progressing throughout
the district and it is hoped that publicity may make every mother
realise the folly of neglecting to have this safe and simple procedure
carried out on her child. There is now no doubt that the mortality
rate from diphtheria in children could be reduced tremendously if
immunisation was sufficiently widespread, but to achieve such a
result the percentage immunised must be very high.
Clinics have now been established for the free provision of
immunisation on the second Tuesday in each month at 151, East
Barnet Road, and the fourth Tuesday at Monkfrith Hall. The
numbers have been satisfactory but towards the end of the year
there was a distinct falling off in attendances, despite a considerable
amount of publicity by means of the press, posters and cinema
advertisments.
It cannot be to strictly emphasized that the ideal time for
immunisation is soon after the child's first birthday, the process is
safe, practically free from pain and/or after effects and gives a
high degree of protection. We cannot rest until at least 75 per
cent, of children are protected especially in the 1-5 year group.
Scabies.
A clinic is now held at Church Farm where all uncomplicated
cases of Scabies are efficiently treated. This year some 508 cases
have been dealt with and only a very small number have needed
re-treating after the normal course of two treatments. In repeating
my thanks for the assistance freely given by the Barnet Isolation
Hospital in the necessary disinfection of bedding, etc., I would add
that we are now preparing to deal with the bulk of the material by
means of a Sack Disinfector at Church Farm. Most of the Scabies
cases have been detected in the course of routine school examination
and the subsequent visits to homes of infected people and the
interviewing of contacts. A considerable amount of extra work
has been thrown on the Public Health Department in this
connection.