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105
The visible effedls of the work of the Medical Officer's department
can, of course, never be put into competition with those of other
departments, in which works carried out tell their own tale of progress.
The unseen and often obscure causes of disease work their way underground,
so to speak, at all events unobserved, until they assume
visible and often dangerous and fearful shape, and when, after
anxious efforts, the disease has abated, the remembrance of these
efforts remains only in the memory and records of those who have
made them. That general sanitary measures persistently carried
out may do much for the promotion of health, and the abatement
of disease, the experience of the past 26 years in the public work
of this department abundantly proves.
It only remains to recommend a continuance of the same
vigilance and the same care. Any relaxation in thisrespedt is sure
to be visited with its inexorable retribution, for the germs of disease
can as easily be encouraged and fostered by neglect, as they may
by prudence and suitable measures of sanitation, be rendered
innoxious, if not entirely stamped out, or abolished.
Your Medical Officer refrains from offering any suggestions as
to the future, the terms of the Resolution of the Yestry not calling
upon him to do so. He would conclude, therefore, his imperfedt
Summary with the expression of the deep interest he has always
entertained in promoting the work of his department for the
public well being; and, in thanking the Vestry for the confidence
they have reposed in him, which they have exhibited by the willingness
they have always shown, and more especially during the
prevalence of the serious epidemics, herein briefly recorded, to
carry out his recommendations, offered under a deep sense of responsibility
to themselves and to the entire community of the
Hamlet.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
MATTHEW CORNER, M.D.,
Medical Officer of Health.
128, Mile End Road, January, 1883.
A Table of the Sanitary Inspector's work is appended, shewing
the large amount of labour accomplished in his department.