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(2)
the environment known to be harmful in modern times just as in days gone by.
This is true far the modern epidemics of lung cancer, bronchitis, coronary
thrombosis and dental caries just as it was in farmer times for tuberculosis,
diphtheria and typhoid fever. The control of causally related circumstances
associated with these diseases, atmospheric pollution, cigarette smoking
and possibly diet, is the modern equivalent of the efforts made to improve
sanitation, housing, nutrition and child care during the first half of the
century. The statistical tables later in this report have been extended
to cover a greater span of years than usual, illustrating the progress made
in the control of infectious diseases by improved sanitation and living
conditions, protective immunisation and modern therapeutic measures. The
death rate for 1963 is little different from that of 1897, but the expectation
of life far a child of one year old has increased from 40 odd years to some
70 years. This is due to decreased importance of infectious diseases as a
major cause of death in the younger age groups, being replaced by the cardiac,
respiratory and malignant diseases which largely affect older people. Accidents
are now the commonest cause of death between the ages of 5 and 15 years.
Also included in the report is a list of welfare services available in
the Borough which it is hoped will be of value as a source of reference. A
few extracts from early annual reports are reproduced belcw. Although they
are taken out of context I hope they bear illuminating witness to the
achievements of the Borough in managing its hygiene affairs over the past
60 years.
It is my pleasure to express appreciation of the encouragement and
support- of the members of the Public Health Committee and Council during the
year and to thank Mr. Kintan and the staff of the department for their
enthusiasm and unfailing sense of duty,
I am,
Mr. Mayer, Aldermen and Councillors,
Your obedient servant,
P. WESTCOMBE.
Medical Officer of Health.