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tion first started in 19,35 and continued steadily since that
date.
The Borough in common with the country generally
suffered another invasion by Acute Poliomyelitis though on
a slightly lower scale than in the previous year. The continued
higher incidence of this disease over the last six years
suggests that there is little likelihood of the country being
as free from the disease as it was prior to the year 1946.
Housing conditions continue to present a social problem,
the solution of which would make the greatest contribution
to the health and happiness of the community. Unfortunately
Housing Authorities are finding that the provision of new
housing on anything like an adequate scale is surrounded
with difficulties entirely beyond their control. The Sanitary
Inspectors have devoted much of their time to endeavouring
to maintain the standards of the older properties which have
tended to deteriorate rapidly particularly because of over
occupation and also because of the high costs of repairs which
are now disproportionate to the rents being received.
The Public Health Committee has given much consideration
to methods for the improvement of food hygiene which
should bear fruit during the coming year, particuarly as the
powers of dealing with food handling generally have been
increased by the recent Bye-Laws issued by the Ministry of
Food and in the operation of which it is anticipated that the
co-operation of the great majority of those in the food trade
will be obtained.
In closing I should like to take this opportunity of thanking
the members of the Council for their continued interest
and concern in all matters affecting the health of the community
and the staff of the Public Health Department for
their loyal and conscientious service during the year.
I have the honour to be,
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
A. FAIRGRIEVE ADAMSON,
Medical Officer of Health.
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