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146
IX.—HEALTH WEEK.
Health Week, which was held during the week commencing Monday,
28th September, was a great success. As in previous years, an Exhibition
was held in the Town Hall. The total attendances exceeded 12,000, which is
considerably more than the number recorded at previous Exhibitions, and a
keen interest was shown, both in the various exhibits and the subjects discussed
at the daily health talks given in the Council Chamber. One or two
innovations, which undoubtedly contributed to the success of the Week, may
be specially mentioned.
Under the direction of Dr. Evelyn McGregor, the Assistant Medical
Officer of Health, the Maternity and Child Welfare Department staged an
Infant Welfare Clinic and an Artificial Sunlight Clinic. These were presided
over by doctors from the various Welfare Centres in the Borough and
were attended by mothers and children from these Centres. This practical
illustration of Maternity and Child Welfare work was greatly appreciated,
not only by mothers attending, or likely to attend Centres, but by many who,
though not directly concerned, are becoming increasingly interested in this
important branch of public health work.
By the courtesy of the various Foreign Legations some 300 posters dealing
with health matters were obtained from about 26 countries. These were
much enjoyed by the general public, who appeared quickly to grasp the
implied lesson, viz., that what we are trying to do in this Borough is part of
a world-wide movement towards better health. To the Health Officers these
posters were interesting as showing the more direct approach and the greater
pathological precision of much of the foreign as compared with our own
health propaganda.
On the last day of Health Week, Saturday, October 3rd, an excellent
display was kindly provided at the Pitfield Street Baths by members of the
Hammersmith Ladies' Swimming Club and by members of the Amateur
Diving Association.
This Display, which included exhibition and fancy swimming and
diving, was attended by about 700 children who obviously enjoyed themselves
immensely.
The importance of availing themselves of the excellent facilities provided
in Shoreditch for learning to swim and the value of swimming as a
health-giving exercise were explained to the children.
Particulars of the exhibits, the Health Talks, and the attendances are
given below : —
Exhibits.
LARGE HALL.
No.
1. (Stage). Borough of Shoreditch Electricity Department.
2. Marmite Food Extract Company, Limited.
3. Borough of Shoreditch Highways and Works Department.