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3
Clean Air Act.
Attention is now being given to the clearing of smoke
and noxious matters from the air. The Clean Air Act can be
implemented in stages until the whole town becomes a "smokeless"
area.
Every effort is needed to encourage householders to use
smokeless fuel for all purposes, and where necessary to have
fire places adapted for its use.
We are subject to occasional fogs by the river and across
the Ham area to Richmond Park. It would seem therefore that
such areas should be vigorously tackled to make them smokeless
zones so that no more "smogs" may occur in them. It is the
"smog" which kills and causes a large amount of illness.
Therefore if smoke which causes "smog" is removed immeasurable
improvement will take place and reduction in deaths and illness
and saving in cleaning will amply compensate for the time
and trouble and cost of the work undertaken.
"Problem" Families and Social Reclamation.
One of the most difficult parts of the work of a Medical
Officer of Health these days is to try and rehabilitate socalled
problem families. The causes of failure in these
families are many and usually a combination of several conditions
lead to the degeneration, but unsuitable or inadequate
housing is a large contributing factor. It will always be
necessary for the Corporation to provide one or two houses for
rehousing these large families. Those who have already been
granted tenancies are being watched with great interest because
already the more adequate accommodation has given the mother a
chance to show what she can do and givesher back her confidence
and self respect. It has also given the children suitable
conditions in which to live and play. Father too can now take
a pride in keeping up his decent home. This goes a long way
towards preserving the family during the period of the growing
up of the children which gives them in turn a better chance to
learn to be successful parents in their time.
I gladly record my thanks for the support and encouragement
to me in my work, to The Worshipful The Mayor, Aldermen
and Councillors. I specially record my appreciation of the
understanding and help given by the Chairman of the Public
Health Committee at all times to the Department. I also
acknowledge my gratitude for the hard work and loyal support
of the staff of the Public Health Department, and the unfailing
co-operation and advice of my fellow Chief Officers.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient Servant,
J.W. STARKEY.
Medical Officer of Health.
Public Health Department,
Guildhall,
Kingston-upon-Thames.
(Telephone No. Kingston 2121).