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5
and maternity and child welfare work in this country, the Annual
Report of your Medical Officer of Health must make no mention of
the operation of these vital local health services. The high reputation
of Tottenham over so many years prior to the National Health
Service Act, would seem to have warranted a more substantial
delegation of powers and recognition of the status of this Authority
as a competent "+++all purpose" unit of local government.
The year 1950 marks the centenary of public health in this Borough,
since it was in 1850 that Tottenham was among the first to set
up a Local Sanitary Board under powers given by the Public Health
Act, 1848. At every stage thereafter in the evolution of the public
health service, Tottenham adopted all legislation for the advancement
of preventive and social medicine within its own boundaries.
At a time when it is forced to lose to the County so much of its former
autonomy, it should not be overlooked that, as a part of its progressive
outlook, Tottenham preceded the County Council and any of
the county districts in Middlesex in the appointment of a whole-time
medical officer of health.
To the Chairman and Members of the Health and Housing
Committee I am extremely indebted for their support and kind
encouragement in what has proved the most difficult period in my
twenty years' experience as a Medical Officer of Health.
Also I wish to acknowledge the loyalty and assistance of the
Chief Sanitary Inspector—Mr. Jenkins, the Chief Clerk—Mr.
Lawrence, and the whole staff of the Public Health Department.
I am,
Your obedient Servant,
6. Hamilton Hogben,
Medical Officer of Health.
30th September, 1950.