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ALL food and milk should be stored in light, airy
places, protected from flies and dust, and away from sinks,
drains, etc. Do not keep milk in bedrooms. Water cisterns
should be inspected and cleaned out.
Fruit and vegetables are to be thoroughly cleaned. No
tainted food or over-ripe or unripe fruit should be eaten.
Issued by the PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE,
MERTON URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL.
The infant mortality rate in our district that year was 48
per thousand (it happened to be low that year; it averaged 72
over the next five years), the infant mortality rate for England
and Wales for that year, 1908, was 121 per thousand.
It is satisfying to note that our death rate still keeps below
the general level, it is not so satisfying to note that our birth
rate does the same.
Reference has been made in the body of the report to the
work of the Food Advisory Committee which, by the enthusiastic
energy of successive Chairmen, has maintained a widespread
interest in a subject which has not perhaps as much inherent
public interest and appeal as we could wish.
Reference is also made to the district nursing work in the
area, the administration of which has now been made the
responsibility of the local Committee.
In conclusion I would like to take this opportunity of
expressing my appreciation for the interest and encouragement
shown in the work of the Public Health Department and of
this, its annual record. If I may intrude a. personal note here
I would also like to place on record my gratitude to the staff of
my Department for their loyal support and co-operation.
I am, Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
A. WALLACE JOHNS,
Medical Officer of Health.
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