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12th February, 1954, that "it is desirable that young people should
be warned of the risks apparently attendant upon excessive smoking."
Turning to infectious disease, we find that tuberculosis, although
the main cause of death in this category, is still diminishing and the
figures for the year show the lowest case rate ever recorded in the
Borough. No death occurred from tuberculosis in any person under
the age of 45. The infectious diseases of childhood, although still
prevalent (measles showed an increase from 99 cases in the previous
year to 1,087 cases in this year) caused no deaths. Poliomyelitis,
although much in the national news, caused only seven cases in
Finchley, all of which were mild and all recovered without severe
paralysis.
When considering the work of the Sanitary Inspectors one notes
the increase in slaughtering from 623 animals in 1954 to 8,409
animals in this year. The inspectors worked long hours on meat
inspection and their ready co-operation, together with that of Mr.
Gray, the Senior Sanitary Inspector, is appreciated.
Here I would also mention with gratitude the assistance I have
received during the year from the other chief officers of the Council,
the encouragement of the chairman and members of the Health Committee,
and the support of the members of the staff of the Public
Health Department.
If the record of public health in Finchley for 1955 seems satisfactory,
as indeed it is, I would say that this is due to a large extent
to the General Practitioners of the district who are always prepared
to spare time from a busy practice to help in public health problems
which they regard as part of their every day interests.
Medicine to-day is indeed a combination of forces and I cannot
end without a word of thanks to the County services in the Area,
particularly the Welfare and Health Visiting sections. I feel
privileged to have the willing co-operation of so many persons with a
common aim of improving the state of public health in the Borough.
I am, Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
A. W. HAY,
Medical Officer of Health.