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The incidence of Poliomyelitis showed little change
There is an impression in the public mind that this
disease was practically unknown in the country until the
post war years. This, however, is not the case as, while
the incidence was consistently lower, sporadic cases continued
to occur from time to time and, in the year 1930,
6 cases were recorded and there were 2 deaths.
Unfortunately for the first time since 1949 a case
of Diphtheria occurred, details of which are given in the
body of the report Probably the most dramatic reduction
in infectious disease following an active measure of control,
namely, immunisation, has occurred in this disease
with a consequent reduction in the toll of human suffering
and invalidism
The number of primary notifications of Tuberculosis
again fell but the number of deaths from this disease remained
the same as in 1952'
In an aging population the problem of old people in
need of some help continues to increase As before, the
policy has been continued of endeavouring to provide
assistance in their own homes and in this way avoiding
the need for institutional care. In 16 cases, however,
where the old people were in need of proper care and
attention the Public Health Department was called in with
a view to statutory action being taken Fortunately this
was not necessary and an improvement was effected informally
by the provision of Home Helps and, where necessary
Home Nursing, or by the person concerned consenting to be
removed to an institution A report on the activities of
the Old People s Welfare Committee is given elsewhere and
the work done by it and by the voluntary organisations is
worthy of the highest praise
There has been no relaxation in the field of environmental
health Much of the work is the responsibility
of the Sanitary Inspectors and it will be seen from the
report how extensive and varied their duties are proposed
legislation, particularly in connection with Housing and
Food and Drugs must inevitably throw increased work and
responsibility upon them
In conclusion I wish to thank the Members of the
Council for their continued support and encouragement and
also the members of my staff 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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