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supplies must not, however, be judged solely or even largely on the
number of infringements brought to the notice of the Public
Health Committee, or by the number of Court actions which were
taken. The very fact that our Inspectors constantly visit food
premises ensures a very necessary measure of control. This is not
to say that food manufacturers or food retailers within the Borough
are especially prone to infringe the law or to indulge in wrong
practices. None the less, whether we like it or not, we know that
food handlers are sometimes apt to be careless, and that regular
visits from competent, tactful Public Health Inspectors can do a
great deal, if only by way of advice, to raise the standard of food
handling. This practice has so far been successful in Southgate,
and will be continued.
The significance of health education in the vast field of public
health is now an established fact. The public, generally speaking,
is still to a great extent oblivious of the work being carried out in
the sphere of public health on its behalf. That is why health
education has such a vital part to play. The fruits of this work
are shown by the very large numbers of the public who have taken
advantage of poliomyelitis immunisation. Every method of bringing
to the public factors of topical interest must be pursued ; and every
endeavour, by all means available, must be made to stress the
fundamental principles upon which the healthy individual and
community are based. Health education is as far as possible
projected at those age groups and sections of the community which
are most in need of it, without making the cardinal mistake of
always speaking to the converted, and so neglecting those groups
which are most difficult to reach. Our programme of health
education in Southgate is, I venture to say, reasonably compre'
hensive.
Once again, I am very happy to state that relations between
the Public Health Department and the burgesses of Southgate have
remained extremely pleasant. I think it can truthfully be said that
the Southgate burgesses now appreciate to the full that the Public
Health Department exists to help them, that our sole aim is to
ensure conditions within the Borough which will favour sound
health and well-being. By the same token, the relations of the
Public Health Department with general practitioners have remained
on a very high level. This is equally important, since we must
always depend upon the general practitioner, with his intimate
relations with families and individuals. I cannot speak too highly
of the co'operation which I have received from the general practitioners
in Southgate, and would take this opportunity of expressing
to them my grateful thanks.
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