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9
possibility of making this Centre a combined one. At the same time an opportunity
arose for establishing a permanent Centre in North Woolwich by adapting one of
the Council's buildings there.
The scheme for the medical supervision of toddlers continues to grow in usefulness.
It is a very valuable method of filling in the gap between the infant and the
school entrant and particularly so in areas where day nurseries are unnecessary and
nursery schools have not been established by the Education authorities. The report
of the year's working will be found in Section IX, and in the Appendix will be found
a very full report of the incidence of anæmia, heart conditions and rheumatism
amongst toddlers, which has been prepared by Dr. Margaret Emslie, the Medical
Officer of the Clinic.
The attendances at all Centres continue in increase, the total number being
54,629, compared with 53,115 in 1931.
I regret to report the death of Sir William Robert Smith, Public Analyst, which
occurred on March 17th at the age of 83 years. A native of Woolwich, his official
connection began on 29th October, 1889, when he became Medical Officer of Health
and Public Analyst for the Woolwich Local Board of Health. In 1890 he became
Public Analyst to the Plumstead District Board of Works, and subsequently to the
Plumstead Vestry. In 1901, when the Metropolitan Boroughs were formed, he
ceased to be Medical Officer of Health, but was appointed Public Analyst for the
whole Borough. His record of public service, however, extends beyond Woolwich.
He was the first Medical Officer of the old School Board for London and was the
founder and Principal of the British, now the Royal, Institute of Public Health. In
addition he had a long record of service as a member of local authorities having been
Mayor of Holborn, Vice-Chairman of the Metropolitan Asylums Board and Chairman
of the Holborn Guardians. In 1918 he was a Sheriff of the City of London. During
the war he served as a specialist Sanitary Officer with the rank of Colonel
R.A.M.C. (T.). His reputation, however, extended beyond this country and he
received many decorations and degrees from foreign governments and universities.
A man of courage and great personality with a wide knowledge of men and human
affairs, he has left behind him a great record in public service.
I am very conscious of the help and consideration given to me by the Chairman
and Members of the Health Committees, and indeed by the Council generally, in
dealing with the many health problems which required attention during the year,
and I am glad of this opportunity of expressing my indebtedness to them. My
sincere thanks are also given to the staff of the department for their co-operation and
assistance during the year.
I am,
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
J. MACMILLAN,
Medical Officer of Health.