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5
My staff and I are to be congratulated on leaving Edmonton with the
lowest rates on record as regards the infant, the total and zymotic deaths.
The nett population of Edmonton urban district in 1905 was 54,606, and in
1920 was 77,202 that is, an increase of no less than 22,596, or over 41 per cent!
This huge increase in population and the enormous output of Acts of
Parliament, Orders, Regulations and Circulars from the Government departments
have more than trebled the duties and responsibilities of your Principal
Medical Officer since 1905. Beginning with only a staff of 9 persons, I now
have no less than 40 under my control.
I have, therefore, every reason to beg of you to give my successor all the
courtesy, consideration and assistance that is his due. He will need proper
treatment, if he is to carry out his work efficiently and in a cheerful spirit.
Further, I warn you not to make him any promises that you are not prepared
to fulfil.
I gratefully acknowledge the help received during 1920 from the loyal
members of my three staffs and from the Heads of the other departments. I am
indebted to our Engineer, Mr. Cuthbert Brown, for his kind help with Sections
III, IV and V. Moreover, in compiling this report, I have received very
valuable assistance from my School Medical Clerk, Mr. J. P. Farrar, who has
recently obtained the certificate of the Sanitary Inspectors' Board, the highest
obtainable.
I feel sure that you will all endorse fully the sentiment of the Latin
sentence heading this Preface.
SIDNEY C. LAWRENCE,
Jtily 30th, 1921. Principal Medical Officer.