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fog but escape the toxic factor as some more peripheral of our
neighbours seem to have done. The records which establish
these facts will be found in the tables and text of this report,
to which I should now refer you to avoid the sin of duplication.
Attention has been drawn in the text of the report to
deaths from accidents in the home. Though these are few in
number in our own area it is none the less a surprising fact that
more people meet their deaths accidentally in the home than
on the roads. We are so bombarded with statistics that we
may almost have become conditioned into a state of unreceptivity
and these figures relate to fatal accidents. What of
the train of permanent disability and disfigurement not recorded
at all in published statistics; the personal tragedies
the perpetual reminder of avoidable crippling? In the hope
of reducing these tragedies efforts are being made to arouse
the public conscience.
In conclusion I should like to thank the Chairman and
members of the Public Health Committee for their helpful cooperation
and the staff of the department for the efficiency
with which they have carried out their duties.
I am, Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
A. WALLACE JOHNS,
Medical Officer of Health.
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