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a serious influence on life and well-being, although it must be
admitted that impurities in the atmosphere and emissions from the
innumerable vehicles using the roads do have an effect,as is the
case with every comparable district. This, however, is more a
national than a local problem, a problem which will obviously have
to be tackled if conditions are to be improved.
I would make mention, however, of one set of circumstances
which, theoretically at least, do constitute a health hazard.
These are the conditions under which so many Wood Green citizens
have to travel to and from work in London every day. If one travels
on a tube, train or bus during the rush hour, one cannot help
wondering how it is that the seething mass of humanity, who are
subjected to this peculiar form of modern torture, do not succumb
in large numbers to infectious diseases, or even to nervous disorders
One can only assume that they become immune, in the same
way that we protect ourselves naturally against so many infections.
This again is a problem which does not allow of easy solution,
certainly not local solution although it is a hazard which we
would do well to remember.
The work of health education has been carried on in Wood
Green during the year along the lines set out in previous reports.
A number of talks have been given to local organisations, articles
have been accepted by the local press, the magazine BETTER HEALTH
continues to circulate, while, during 1955, we arranged a clean
food exhibition specially designed to appeal both to food traders
and to citizens generally I am more than ever satisfied that, in
health education, we have a weapon which is both economical and
effective. I would take this opportunity of thanking local editors
for their unfailing courtesy and assistance. Without the help of
our local press, the work of health education would be materially
stultified I ask a good deal of the press, but am more than
pleased to be able to record my grateful thanks for all the help
forthcoming
I would conclude by thanking the Public Health Committee and
the Borough Council for their continued support and encouragement.
This means a great deal to a Medical Officer of Health and to the
Public Health Department as a whole I would also express my sincere
thanks to the staff of the Public Health Department. I would
make particular reference,once again to the able assistance and
devotion to duty rendered by my Deputy Dr J R. Campbell, Mr.
W. McCauley, Chief Sanitary Inspector, and Mr W. T. Gloster.
Chief Clerk. The fact that one has a first-rate team at one's
disposal is now more than ever important bearing in mind the fact
that the modern Medical Officer of Health can seldom devote his
entire time to the environmental health of any one district I
am satisfied that I have the privilege of leading such a team.
I am, Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
W. C. HARVEY,
Medical Officer of Health.
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