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34
HEALTH WEEK.
Report by the late Medical Officer of Health, Dr. D. L. Thomas:—
The fifth Health Week in the Borough was held this year during the
period 28th October to 2nd November inclusive.
Lectures or film displays were given throughout the week at the Limehouse
Town Hall, St. George's Town Hall, Working Lads' Institute, Darby Street
Mission, Dame Colet House and in co-operation with the Borough Librarian
two lectures were given at the Mile End Library. A Trade Exhibition was
held at the Limehouse Town Hall and demonstrations were given daily on
cooking, home nursing, infant care, etc.
All the Maternity Centres were open to Visitors each afternoon and
facilities given for visitors to see the Council's Destruction Works, the Tuberculosis
Open-air School and the Light Department of the London Hospital.
The last-mentioned was very much appreciated by the 24 visitors, and proved
very interesting.
The opening ceremony took place on Monday, 28th October at the Lime
house Town Hall. Major C. R. Attlee, M.A., M.P., was kind enough to
declare the opening of the Exhibition and Health Week, and ne remarked on
the wonderful progress made in the health of the people of Stepney. The most
striking improvement having been made in the infantile death-rate. This was
due, he said, to active work of every kind, particularly to the work of the
Council. They also had the housing policy, but perhaps the most important
and practical part of their work was that of the Infant Welfare Centres.
Stepney was one of the most foremost among London Boroughs, and the public
money was well spent in this direction. Public Health is not a matter to be
left entirely to the Council; it was for every person to do something towards
promoting the Public Health.
The opening ceremony was followed by an admirable lecture (about 200
people attended), entitled "Secrets of Good Health," given by Sir Arbuthnot
Lane, Bart., C.B., M.S., F.R.C.S. (President of the New Health Society).
During his lecture he stated that he advocated pillion-riding, and the press
gave this full publicity.
On the Wednesday afternoon a Baby Show was held which was a great
success. So many entries had been received that the number had to be limited
to 150. The babies were examined as regards their weight, teeth and general
health, and the judges had a difficult job to decide the winners and many
thanks are due to the examiners. I am glad to say that everything went off
very well, and there was no grumbling from the unsuccessful mothers. Mrs.
L. Frankel presented the prizes which were kindly given free.