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living in poor accommodation to give any state of complacency,
nevertheless there can be some small satisfaction in seeing the blackest
spots disappear. It is my firm conviction that good housing conditions
are an absolute essential for any reasonable standard of health and
happiness and that more can be done to alleviate physical and mental
distress by the provision of adequate housing facilities than by almost
any other single factor.
Secondly, FOOD HYGIENE. The details given of the various
complaints investigated will be of real interest and prove once again
that the human element is the most difficult to keep at the concert
pitch of cleanliness necessary in this field. Much is being written of
the possible danger of the innumerable processings that most foods
undergo nowadays and it is true to say that this subject needs more
rigorous investigation than has yet been done. But so far as the
handling of foodstuffs is concerned, common sense and goodwill can
ensure a high safety standard.
Thirdly, SMOKE CONTROL. The volume of work has been far
greater than originally anticipated and it is noteworthy that all the
extra work has been absorbed by the (small) department without
detriment to its more routine duties.
During the year under review the Department moved to Church
Farm, a move which was not welcomed with any great enthusiasm by
the staff. However, we have now settled down quite happily in a
rural retreat, although the formerly enjoyed day-to-day contact with
other departments is definitely a loss. There are minor disabilities that
do not need stressing but by and large the move, it must be admitted,
worked out better than anticipated. For which, as for many other
things, my very sincere thanks are due to every member of my staff.
C. M. Scott,
Medical Officer of Health.
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