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concerned merely with infectious illnesses. Our duty must
be to survey the whole field of health. We must try to
remove such conditions as are prejudicial to health and
which encourage disease itself. This means that we should
study the causes, of such ailments as diseases of the heart
and circulation, cancer and rheumatism. It is admittedly
difficult to deal with these problems in any one district,
since the issue is national rather than local. None the
less, the new conception of epidemiology must not be forgotten
since it provides a fruitful field for study and investigation
As the Council will be aware, I am particularly
keen on health education, and have already instituted
measures designed to explore to the full this totally
important field.' I have already endeavoured to establish
close and cordial contact with general practitioners practising
in the district, since I am fully satisfied that such cooperation
is vital to success. These matters will be referred
to more specifically in Appendix 2 of this Report,
which deals with health education.
I would complete this introduction by expressing my
sincere thanks to the members of the Urban District Council
and Public Health Committee for the unfailing support and
encouragement which I have received since I took up my duties
as Medical Officer of Health. I have been very conscious
of this support and courtesy, both of which have assisted me
greatly in my work. I should also like to express my thanks
to the entire staff of the Public Health Department. It is
quite obvious that I have a loyal and conscientious team who
are prepared to give of their best in the interests of the
community. I would particularly thank Mr. W.R. Jackaman,
Chief Sanitary Inspector, who has been of the greatest help
at all times, and who has never failed to give me the benefit
of his local knowledge and experience. I would also thank
all other departments of the Urban District Council for their
unfailing co-operation.
I am, Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant
W. C. HARVEY.
Medical Officer of Health.
June 1954.
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