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8
It cannot be too strongly urged that the health of mothers and infants
depends not only upon the proper provision of good midwifery, maternity and
child welfare centres, and the other services which are now being provided,
but still more upon general social and economic improvement in the lower
working classes and upon the supply of proper housing for them. As has
been pointed out in former reports the housing accommodation at present
available in the borough for the working classes is most defective and urgently
calls for improvement.
In the latter half of the year, in accordance with the suggestion of the Local
Government Board, the male sanitary inspectors undertook work in connection
with the enforcement of the Orders of the Food Controller. This was done
during their ordinary working hours, but at the end of the j ear an alteration
was made whereby it was done mainly after their usual working hours, and
special remuneration was paid them.
It is with great regret that I have to record the death during the year of Mr.
II. Riches, first clerk in the department. He had been in the Council's
employment for 26 years, and his loss was greatly deplored by all. Owing to
several \acaneies due to death and resignation, and to the absence of members
of the staff with His Majesty's Forces, the work of the department has had to
be carried on very largely with the help of temporary assistants, and 1 desire
to express my hearty thanks to all the staff for their constant help in these
difficult times. I would also like to tender my thanks to your Public Health
Committee for the support they have given me ; and to your Council for the
pers mal consideration they have invariably shown me.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
Medical Officer of Health.