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5
and spreads rapidly and easily, but, as I have stressed on previous
occasions, a lapse in personal hygiene must occur before this spread
can take place. Surely, we can make an effort to adhere to the
simple hygienic measures necessary for its control.
A survey of the vital statistics of the district shews quite a
satisfactory situation, although the Infant Mortality Rate is not so
low as last year.
The "Enfield Show," held in the Town Park, has been a
popular annual event for some years now, and it was decided this
year to include a Health Exhibition Stand, designed to capture
the interest of the fairly large and representative section of the
public attending the event, yet bearing in mind that they were
seeking entertainment rather than education.
From this point of view the Exhibition was presented in as
animated a manner as possible, illustrating in humorous vein some
of the subjects with which the Health Department has to deal,
such as Food Hygiene, Smoke Abatement, Rodent Control, Infectious
Disease, Control of Insect Pests, and, of a more personal
nature, Home Safety, Nutrition, and Dental Care.
Illuminated and working models were used where available.
The enthusiasm with which the public viewed the Stand amply
fulfilled our hopes and we considered that we had achieved our
desired objective in effectively dispensing information on Health
matters in a palatable manner to a susceptible gathering. Although
several members of the staff played an active and helpful part, I
wish to record with thanks the enthusiasm and efficiency of Mr.
S. N. Dance, Senior Clerk in the Department, who undertook the
major share of the work connected with the Exhibition.
In conclusion, I should like once again to express my appreciation
of the efforts of the staff of the Health Department and to
refer especially to the service of Mr. Coulter, Chief Clerk, who is
approaching a period of 50 years service with the Council.
William D. Hyde,
Medical Officer of Health.