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growing acceptance of B.C.G. vaccination against tuberculosis adds
yet another weapon to our armoury in the fight against this disease. The
domestic child contacts of known cases are receiving this added
protection through the chest clinics to an increasing degree and the
treatment of 13-year-old schoolchildren has been established by the
County Council as a routine procedure in the schools. The value of
animal inoculation tests in the detection of tuberculous milk was again
demonstrated when this infection was traced to a diseased cow in
a local herd. The elimination of this source of tuberculosis is an aim
which can and must be achieved by the creation of tuberculosis-free
herds.
The powers designed to ensure cleanliness and purity of our food
and protection from adulteration are wide and comprehensive. The
provisions of the new Food and Drugs Amendment Act, 1954, whilst
not so far-reaching as one would have hoped, will further strengthen
the hands of local authorities in helping to reduce preventable foodborne
illness. The wide range of analyses and tests carried out during
the year show that the quality of the various foods and drugs offered
for sale in the district conform to the required standards to a very high
degree. Milk samples were all satisfactory except four, and although
these gave analyses slightly below the legal standard, there is little
doubt that they were genuine samples of milk. The only other sample
which did not comply with the statutory standard was an ancillary
food which contained a slight excess, not a deficiency, of the active
ingredient. The bacteriological purity of ice cream continued to
improve, 95 per cent. of the samples conforming to the highest grade.
The health record of 1954 is not, however, one of unalloyed
satisfaction and brightness. It has its shadow, not a big one, but
a very dark one. Far too many families are still living in overcrowded
conditions with consequent detriment to their mental and physical
health. Added to this is the task still facing us and too-long deferred by
war-time conditions, of clearing away our slum dwellings. The Council
can make no greater single contribution to the wellbeing of the district
than by tackling this problem with the urgency which it deserves.
My thanks are again tendered to my staff for their help and
co-operation so freely given, and to the Council for their customary
interest and encouragement.
I am, Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
F. LAWRENCE SMITH,
Medical Officer of Health.
August, 1955.
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