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prevention is better than cure. Health Weeks were organised; lectures, film
displays and health plays in large halls, and informal talks and film displays at the
meeting places of various organisations in the Borough, were arranged. All these
efforts met with instant response, the first Health Week exhibition in 1925 being
attended by over 25,000 persons.
Although every aspect of public health received his undivided attention when
required, Dr. Macmillan had especial interest in some subjects, one of which was
the eradication of bed bugs. With the building of the Council's estates, this problem
became more urgent, in order to prevent the infestation of the new homes of families
from the old and unfit houses. With the fervour of a pioneer, Dr. Macmillan
studied every detail of the life history of the bed bug, from the hatching of the
larva through all stages of development, using bugs bred and fed by himself.
He carried out many practical experiments dealing with different aspects of infestation,
until the methods now used in Woolwich, and proved the most effective,
were evolved. The kindly sympathy shown by Dr. Macmillan towards all classes
of the community was never more in evidence than in his endeavours to remove
from the minds of occupiers of infested buildings the fixed idea that the presence
of the bed bug was a social stigma. His expert practical knowledge was recognised
nationally by his appointment to the Special Committee of the Medical Research
Council for research into bug infestation.
In the passing of Dr. Macmillan the people of Woolwich have lost a kindly friend
and a faithful servant, but the records of his long endeavours on their behalf are
set down in the Annual Reports which it was his duty and pleasure to present to
the Council.
In conclusion, I desire to express my sincere thanks to the Chairman and
members of the Health Committee, and to members of the Council generally, for
the confidence reposed in me, and for their support and consideration, and I take
this opportunity of expressing my appreciation of the work of the staff of the Department,
and of the help I have received from them.
I am,
Madam, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
T. STANDR1NG,
Deputy Medical Officer of Health.