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APPENDIX.
1. Health Publicity.
The measures adopted to stimulate an interest in matters connected
with Public Health were carried out along similar lines to
those of previous years. Various talks were given to organisations
in the district, articles were printed in the local Press, while the
Southgate edition of "Better Health" continued to circulate. It
is difficult to estimate the value of this propaganda, but it should
of necessity play a prominent part in any progressive Public
Health administration. The main policy has been directed towards
improving the knowledge of the burgesses upon basic Public
Health principles, stressing those of most practical importance but
avoiding any attempt at creating an atmosphere of panic. For the
latter reason, certain display posters offered to the Borough Council
were not accepted. I am not entirely satisfied that we are wise in
eliminating every attempt to produce an atmosphere of danger
among our thinking population. If we pursue such a policy to its
logical conclusion, our position may be comfortable, but it will lie
none the less dangerous. As 1 have mentioned elsewhere, fear is
a natural and sometimes an extremely valuable phenomenon, which
may have wholesome and decidedly salutary effects. The avoidable'
death of child or adult, on the other hand, means an inevitable
tragedy, all the more pitiful if life is cut short during the first few
years. Ignorance and apathy are still our greatest enemies, and,
in my opinion, any reasonable methods adopted to surmount these
obstacles would be fully justified by the results.
As hitherto, it was not thought advisable to hold any local
Health Week or similar concentrated health crusade, although
plans are being prepared for such a function during 1937.
2. Circular Letters.
The following circular letters were issued during year: —
(a) Letter to doctors re Pre-Natal Clinic.
(b) Letter to midwives re Pre-Natal Clinic.
(c) Letter to Council tenants re Pre-Natal Clinic.
(d) Letter to fathers of children attending Infaht
Welfare Clinics calling a Fathers' Meeting.
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