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3
The upward trend in the population and number of
inhabited houses continued in 1959. As a result of Council
and private building many more people are now enjoying
the amenities of new houses and in addition people in old
but sound houses are now making use of the standard
improvement grants to provide themselves with bath, wash.
hand basin, hot water supply and decent food store. These
amenities are not now considered as luxuries but as necessities
to good healthy living.
People are becoming much more conscious of the importance
of these minimum health standards and this awareness
must reflect in no small way in improving the general state
of the health of the district.
Unfortunately some, even though provided with all the
appropriate amenities to preserve a good standard of
health, tend to let disease prevail by persisting in slovenly
personal habits and hygiene. Man is a .lazy animal. at
heart and many bad habits still persist. These habits do have
a bearing in the spread of disease and could so easily be
remedied if only a little more thought and effort was
expended by the public in general.
Once again I would like to thank the Chairman and
Members of the Public Health Committee for their interest
and support and also acknowledge with thanks the friendly
co.operation of my colleagues in the other departments of
the Council. Finally to Mr. F. V. Bell, the Chief Public
Health Inspector, and all members of the Department, my
sincere thanks for their most willing and able assistance
during the year.
I am. Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
W. CORMACK,
Medical Officer of Health.