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with later life. This is reflected in the mortality from heart disease
and cancer which in 1950 accounted for 37 per cent, and '20 per cent,
respectively of the total mortality.
Prevalence of the common infectious diseases, especially measles
and whooping cough, which so far have largely defied all efforts at
prevention, was much in accord with expectation. 1950 was a
"measles" year and prevalence was high. Whooping cough, too,
was more prevalent. Medical research into the production of an
effective vaccine seems at last to hold out a definite promise that a
means of preventing this latter disease by inoculation is coming
within sight. Recent Annual Reports have evidenced the striking
effect of diphtheria immunisation on the incidence of diphtheria.
The year now reviewed has the distinction of being the first in which
there was a complete absence of this infection.
The growing tendency to communal feeding in such places as
school and works canteens and restaurants brings the risk of food
poisoning into greater prominence. Faults in the practice of personal
hygiene on the part of food handlers, so often the cause of outbreaks
of this nature, have much greater scope for damage to the public
health when the food handlers are employees of large catering establishments
than when their activities are limited to the domestic
kitchen. The work of supervising food and food premises by your
sanitary staff increases year by year with the steady stream of Regulations
issued by the Ministry of Food. The numerous instances of
careless manufacture, adulteration and deterioration of food revealed
in this and earlier Reports show how necessary it is that unremitting
vigilance should be given to this aspect of public health.
The present times have not inaptly been described as the " Age
of Anxiety." Certainly, nothing could do more to relieve mental
stress in a great number of residents than a solution of the housing
problem. The evils that flow from overcrowding are incalculable and
they touch every aspect of physical, mental and moral health. The
preventive health services can derive little encouragement from the
fact that the number of unsatisfied housing applicants with local
qualifications is no less than it was four years ago.
I tender once again to all members of the departmental staff my
sincere thanks for the efficient and willing support they have given
me in the operation of the Council's Health Service and for their
unfailing loyalty.
I am, Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
F. LAWRENCE SMITH,
Medical Officer of Health.
August, 1951.
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