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Vital statistics are notoriously open to various
interpretations, especially when they cover a comparatively
short period and when they relate to small totals. None
the less, the vital statistics of Friern Barnet will, I
think, compare favourably with any district of similar size,
particularly a district which is virtually surrounded by a
highly organised series of communities.
There is much in Friern Barnet for which the inhabitants
should be grateful, about which they should feel
extremely proud. The dormitory character of the district,
with an almost entire absence of factory development, has
obviously played a very real part in our history. But that
is not the end of the story. Statistics will seldom, if
ever, reveal the effect on the health of a community of
delightful amenities, of generous parks and open spaces,
of wide, well-cared-for streets and intelligent planning.
But there is not the slightest doubt that this effect has been
and still is, material. As time passes, and as the character
and standard of the district are jealously maintained,
this effect will become even more apparent. It is surely
here that the destiny of Friern Barnet lies. Those who
live in Friern Barnet to-day have been vouchsafed a wonderful
heritage from those who made the district what it is;
so long as past policy is maintained the future will surely
be adequately safeguarded.
Health education is still being continued in
Friern Barnet. As the Council will be aware, I make a
point of asking local editors to insert articles of topical
interest and importance in their papers. In this connection
I would pay a most sincere tribute to the co-operation
invariably extended to me by local editors, co-operation
which I very greatly appreciate and which helps me substantially
in my work. The magazine "Better Health" continues
to circulate and seems to be well received. A number of
talks have been given to local organisations by members of
the Public Health Department staff. I am glad to be able
to record that requests for such talks appear to be on the
increase.
It must be admitted that Friern Barnet is a
district in which one would expect health education to
flourish. It may be said that the inhabitants of
Friern Barnet are not in great need of education. On the
other hand, none of us, within reason, can know too much
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