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7
would be well if a printed circular was issued and freely distributed,
so as to inform all concerned of their liability.
The Cross Country Championship
running matches are still held annually at Wembley Park, and
appear to be increasing in popularity, but it is very questionable
whether this or any other form of forced athleticism deserves
so much encouragement from the public. It is true that the
ten miles run has been lessened, and that the Ambulance Brigade
has had, in consequence, less work to deal with, but I am
convinced that the excessive strain entailed, in spite of the
careful training that the competition implies, will be found
responsible for many damaged hearts in later years, if not to
actual physical and constitutional disablement in the immediate
future.
Chronic Alcoholism.
Two of the deaths were attributed to alcoholism. You will
be glad to know that (though there is still room for a stricter
moderation) there are comparatively few well-known chronic
alcoholics in the district, in fact there are hardly any of the
shameless drunkards one met in the streets a few years ago,
and these are not permanent residents. So that we may be
hopeful that in time, education and example will still further
lessen this serious menace to the Public Health.
Noisy Nuisances.
It is required by a memorandum of the L.G.B. that I
inform you of all matters affecting, or likely to affect, the health
of the inhabitants, either collectively or as individuals. I desire
to briefly refer to a few of the oft recurring and ever-increasing
sources of nerve irritation in our midst. Those that we find in
the home, whether due to the constant reaction of married
folk upon each other, to chronic ill-health, to servants, or other
domestic worry, we cannot control, though we may be frequently
and painfully aware of their existence, but those that are thrust