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of Local Authorities to continue their health and welfare services
in spite of all the difficulties which the War has brought forth0;
I am satisfied that these efforts have been well rewarded. I cannot
prophesy for the health of the future, but I am in a position to state
that the first six months of 1941 have shown that the present
satisfactory state of affairs is continuing.
I have been asked many times as to the effect of air raids on
the nerves of the population. I have no hesitation in saying that
in Enfield War neurosis appears to be conspicuous by its absence.
In the minds of the members of Civil Defence, and the public
at large, there must have been the question "how will I stand up
to air raids ?"
It has been my privilege to see how the personnel, both male
and female, of Enfield's Civil Defence Services have reacted to the
raids which have occurred in our district. I need hardly tell the
Council how well they have carried out their duties, or stood by
during raids, with a pluck that leaves nothing but admiration.
The same applies to the public; many a night have I been
down streets, where house after house has been damaged by enemy
action, to be greeted by the owners with a joke and an offer of a
cup of tea.
Such is the spirit of Enfield and a summary of the mental
health of its population which, together with its physical well-being,
it is my duty to record in this, my Annual Report. I have been
proud to be the Medical Officer of Health of such a population and
the officer-in-charge of Enfield's Casualty Services.
The Council will be aware that the task of its officials to-day
is one of extreme difficulty. All the more am I pleased to record
the help I have received from the staff of the Department.
I beg to remain,
Your obedient Servant,
D. H. GEFFEN,
Medical Officer of Health,