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5
TO THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
HEALTH COMMITTEE.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I beg to present herewith a Report (drawn up on the lines
suggested in Circular 1119 issued by the Ministry of Health) on the
work of the Health Department during 1930.
Dr. J. J. Clarke, who had been your Council's Medical Officer of
Health for thirty-two years, retired at the end of March, and I would
take this opportunity of acknowledging the excellence of the
organisation which he has created, and the willing help he has
given me.
The year was noteworthy for two contrasts-the lowest recorded
Infant Mortality and Death Rate on the one hand and a heavy
incidence of Infectious Disease on the other, notably of Diphtheria
and Smallpox. The former, unfortunately, caused 22 deaths, and
the latter an incredible waste of time and money which could have
been employed to far better purpose. The experience of a hundred
years in every part of the world has proved that we must choose
between Smallpox and vaccination.
I would gratefully record the support I have received from the
Chairman and Members of your Committee and the co-operation of
my Colleagues in other Departments.
Mr. Furness has kindly contributed the sections dealing with the
following matters:-Water, Rivers and Streams, Drainage and
Sewerage, Scavenging and new houses built during the year.
I am grateful to all sections of the Staff of the Department for
their willing co-operation, efficient services, and their assistance in
the compilation of this Report.
The Sanitary Inspectors, under Mr. Duncan, have done particularly
good work in combating Smallpox and in house-to-house
visiting in connection with the preparation of a Scheme under the
Housing Act, 1930.
I would also stress Mr. Duncan's assistance in contributing the
sections of the Report dealing with the following subjects:-Closet
Accommodation, Sanitary Inspection of the Area, Smoke Abatement,
Other Sanitary conditions requiring Notice, Housing Statistics
(items 1-3), Housing Conditions (items 1-6), Inspection and
Supervision of Food, Offensive Trades, Legal Procedure, Rent
Restrictions Act, Diseases of Animals Acts, and the Factory and
Workshop Acts.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient servant,
A. T. W. POWELL,
Medical Officer of Health, etc.