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7
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which are more fully discussed in the body of the report,
are of some importance as they indicate to some extent
social conditions of the people and although they are
frequently misunderstood or misquoted they are not to he
taken as the success or failure of Public Health Services.
The improvement in the social conditions of the people in
this country is due to many factors, one of which is the
Public Health Service. The fact that modern citizenship
demands an efficient and comprehensive Public Health
Service must be at least an indication that the services are
of prime importance to the welfare of the people.
I cannot in this report point to anything that will
show the results of a year's activities and a year's
expenditure; for the improvement in health is not a
matter to be measured from year to year. I can show the
great saving in infant life in all classes of the population;
I can show the improvement in the general environment
and in social habits, and above all the physical wellbeing
of the young child of to-day brought about by our many
services exercising prevention of disease as their cardinal
principle.
I would express to the Committees my appreciation of
their interest and help, and to the staff for their loyal and
untiring support.
I am,
Mr. Mayor, Madam and Gentlemen,
Your Obedient Servant,
K. E. TAPPER,
Medical Officer of Health,