USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1929 > Part 3
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1
1
0
Hydrocele.
4
4
0
Hypertrophy of prostate
3
3
0
Prostatic obstruction
4
3
1
Prostatitis
1
1
0
Phimosis.
3
3
0
Renal calculus
3
3
0
Renal colic
1
1
0
Urethritis.
1
1
0
Urinary retention
1
1
0
Ureteral calculus
3
3
0
Vesicle calculus.
4
4
0
14. Diseases of the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat
Adenoids.
146
146
0
Chronic tonsillitis.
291
291
0
Deviated nasal septum.
9
9
0
Epistaxis.
1
1
0
Hypertrophy and mucoid degeneration of tur- binates.
1
1
0
Mastoiditis
23
23
0
38
ANNUAL REPORT
Total Disch'd Dead
Mastoiditis with post-aural abscess.
1
1
0
Otitis media. .
6
6
0
Ulcerative keratitis.
1
1
0
15. Diseases of the Rectum and Anus
Cancer of anus.
1
1
0
Fissure in ano
6
6
0
Hemorrhoids
10
10
0
Ischio-rectal abscess.
3
3
0
Polyp in rectum.
1
1
0
16. Diseases and Injuries of Head and Face
Brain tumor. .
2
1
1
Burns of face, hands and body.
4
3
1
Carbuncle of lip.
1
1
0
Contusions to head.
2
2
0
Concussion of brain.
7
7
0
Cyst of cerebellum.
1
1
0
Fracture of skull.
6
4
2
Fracture of jaw
1
1
0
Haemangioma of forehead.
1
1
0
Iodine burns of mouth.
1
1
0
Intra-cranial hemorrhage.
1
0
1
Infection of scalp and cervical glands.
2
2
0
Lacerated wounds to head and face.
30
29
1
Papiloma of face.
1
1
0
Scalp wounds
13
13
0
Wen of scalp
1
1
0
17. Diseases and Injuries to Neck
Carbuncle of neck
4
4
0
Cervical adenitis.
3
3
0
Lacerations of neck
1
1
0
Lipoma of neck.
2
2
0
Sebaceous cyst of neck
1
1
0
Suppurating glands of neck.
1
1
0
Tubercular glands of neck
1
1
0
18. Diseases and Injuries of Chest.
Carcinoma with metastases to lobe of lung.
1
0
1
Carcinoma of breast
5
5
0
Carcinoma of chest.
1
0
1
Chronic cystic mastitis.
2
2
0
Cystic tumor of breast.
1
1
0
Carcinoma of ribs.
1
1
0
Contusions of chest
5
5
0
Bullet in sternum
1
1
0
Empyema. .
3
2
1
Foreign body in chest wall.
1
1
0
Fractured ribs.
4
3
1
l'unctues wound left lung with hemorrhage.
1
0
1
19. Diseases and Injuries of Shoulders
Carcinoma of axilla
2
2
0
Carbuncle of shoulder.
1
1
0
Fracture of clavicle
2
2
0
Gunshot wound of shoulder
1
1
0
Lacerations of shoulder.
2
2
0
Septic axillary adenitis.
1
1
0
39
ANNUAL REPORT
20. Diseases and Injuries of Arm
Total Disch'd Dead
9
7
2
7
7
0
1
1
0
4
4
0
21. Diseases and Injuries of Forearm Fracture of radius and ulna
12
12
0
22. Disease and Injuries of Hands and Wrist
Chronic sinus of finger.
1
1
0
Gunshot wound of hand.
1
1
0
Infection of hand.
2
2
0
Lacerated wounds of hand.
5
5
0
Lacerated wounds of wrist.
2
2
0
Osteomyelitis of finger .
1
1
0
Septic hand. Traumatic amputation of finger
5
5
0
23. Diseases and Injuries of Body
Carbuncle of back.
1
1
0
Fracture of spine.
1
0
1
Fracture of pelvis.
3
3
0
Multiple contusions.
7
7
0
Sacro-iliac strain.
3
3
0
24. Diseases and Injuries of Thigh
Fracture of femur
13
12
1
Abscess of thigh
1
1
0
25. Disease and Injuries of Leg
Fracture of tibia and fibula.
14
14
0
Lacerated wounds.
12
12
0
Osteomyelitis of tibia and fibula.
1
1
0
Septic leg
2
0
2
Traumatic synovitis of knee.
2
2
0
Varicose veins. 66 ulcer
1
1
0
26. Diseases and Injuries of Foot
Fractured os calcis.
1
1
0
Gangrene of feet.
2
1
1
Infected great toe.
1
1
0
Lacerated wound of foot.
1
1
0
Lipoma of instep
1
1
0
Multiple fracture of foot.
2
2
0
27. Miscellaneous (Surgical)
Electric shock and traumatic injuries
1
0
1
Pilo-nidal sinus.
2
2
Tetanus.
1
1
0
28. Obstetrical
Mothers.
240
Births.
229
Stillbirths
7
3
3
0
2
0
Fracture of humerus. Lacerated wounds of arm. Lipoma. Subcoracoid dislocation of head of humerus.
40
ANNUAL REPORT
TREASURER'S AND AUDITOR'S REPORT
Campaign :
In connection with the 1925 drive, the only receipts in 1929 were composed of collections $3,410.00 and interest $5.00, total $3,415.00. Disbursements amounted to $278.42 during the year, covering minor items of administrative expense, disclosing a net increase in the 1925 Campaign Fund account for 1929 in the sum of $3,136.58.
Exhibit E presents a condensed summary of complete campaign subscriptions, collections, etc., indicating a balance of uncollected subscriptions on December 31, 1929 amounting to $17,959.49. We made no attempt to verify this outstanding total for the reason that the collectibility of only a small percentage is all that can be expected.
Although distinct campaign bank accounts are still being conducted as a part of the machinery of collection, all campaign cash in banks constitutes a part of the total of Trust Fund Cash, as per Enhibit C. It would appear that the campaign bank accounts might well be discontinued within the near future, further collec- tions to be taken into the regular Trust Fund checking account, and further campaign administrative expenses to be paid out of that same account.
Bonding and Insurance:
The Treasurer's bond, in the amount of $10,000.00 is still in force, and fire insurance policies were found on file showing coverage, as follows, indicating no increase during 1929:
Buildings
Contents of buildings
$261,200.00 46,500.00
$307,700.00
Proper coverage was also found respecting public liability and workmen's compensation insurance.
Certificate:
Subject to the foregoing qualifications as to the audit of the 1925 Campaign records, we hereby certify that the statements presented herewith set forth cor- rectly all cash transactions of the Treasurer of The Attleborough Hospital for the calendar year 1929, the balance of cash and securities on hand December 31, 1919, and the indebtedness on loans December 31, 1929.
Respectfully submitted,
WARD, FISHER & COMPANY
41
ANNUAL REPORT
THE ATTLEBOROUGH HOSPITAL Statement of Cash Receipts and Disbursements General Fund, Year 1929 EXHIBIT A
Balance, January 1, 1929:
Checking account, First National Bank
$65.43
Petty fund.
25.00
$90.43
Receipts:
1 ospital account :
Operating income:
Patients:
X-Ray
$ 6,257.36
Laboratory
2,332.17
Physiotherapy
877.00
Other
61,169.66
70,636. 19
Sale of books, cloth, supplies etc.
302.57
Miscellaneous
458.01
Total operating income.
Other income:
Interest on checking account 22.90
Donations to general fund.
1,700.00
Annual memberships. 280.00
incomefrom trust fund investments 13,897. 47
Total other income.
15,900.37
Total hospital account receipts
87,297.14
Net increase in bank loans during year. . .
1,500.00
Total cash receipts.
88,797.14
Disbursements:
Hospital account:
Operating expenses:
Postage
114.95
Repairs and maintenance.
833.52
Telephone and telegraph.
550.10
Office supplies.
511.32
Miscellaneous freight and cartage.
7.78
X-Ray fees.
2,939.34
Laboratory fees.
1,171.08
Physiotheraphy fees
438.50
Salaries
38,746.94
Supplies and equipment
9,352.91
Housekeeping supplies.
24,281.07
Heat and light.
8,250.86
Miscellaneous expense.
1,249.05
Total operating expenses.
88,447.42
Other expense: Interest paid
381.53
Total hospital account disbursements
88,828.95
Balance, December 31, 1929
58.62
Represented by:
Balance in checking account, First National Bank
$ 33.62
Balance in petty fund.
25.00
58.62
71,396.77
88,887.57
42
ANNUAL REPORT
THE ATTLEBOROUGH HOSPITAL Statement of Donations General Fund, Year 1929 EXHIBIT A, SCHEDULE I
Sturdy Memorial Hospital Aid Association (two free beds) $ 500.00
Sturdy Memorial Hospital Aid Association (special maternity aid) 500.00
R. F. Simmons Company (free bed) 250.00
J. L. Sweet (free bed) 250.00
J. L. Sweet. 100.00
Dr. and Mrs. C. S. Holden 50.00
Mr. and Mrs. M. E. Bliss.
30.00
Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Herrick. 10.00
Lenora P. Beers Sunday School Class, Second Congregational Church. . 10.00
$1,700.00
THE ATTLEBOROUGH HOSPITAL Statement of Annual Membership Receipts General Fund, Year 1929 EXHIBIT A, SCHEDULE II
L. E. Baer $ 10.00
H. D. Baker
10.00
W. H. Bannon
10.00
D. A. Barrows. 10.00
Mr. and Mrs. M. E. Bliss
20.00
Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Briggs
20.00
T. S. Carpenter
10.00
Mrs. H. E. Clap
10.00
Dr. Laura V. Conibear.
10.00
A. D. Crosby 10.00
10.00
Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Gilmore
20.00
R. M. Horton. 10.00
10.00
S. B. Jacobs.
10.00
Mrs. H. P. Kent.
10.00
Mrs. A. A. McRae
10.00
H. O. Mackinnon.
10.00
B. D. Mason
10.00
J. F. Mason
10.00
M. Schweinshaut.
10.00
Rev. D. F. Sheedy.
10.00
F. E. Sturdy
10.00
F. L. Torrey
10.00
Mrs. J. E. Tweedy
10.00
$280.00
THE ATTLEBOROUGH HOSPITAL Summary of General Fund Accounts December 31, 1929
EXHIBIT B
Cash, checking account.
33.62
Notes payable $10,000.00
Cash, office fund.
25.00
Operating deficit.
9,941.38
$10,000.00
$10,000.00
Mrs. T. S. Curtis.
K. H. Hyde.
43
ANNUAL REPORT
THE ATTLEBOROUGH HOSPITAL Statement of Operating Deficit General Fund, Year 1929 EXHIBIT B, SCHEDULE I
Deficit, January 1, 1929. Receipts during 1929:
$ 8,409.57
From patients, supply sales, etc .. . .
$71,396.77
From interest on checking account ..
22.90
From donations. .
1,700.00
From annual memberships.
280.00
From income on investments.
13,897. 47
87,297.14
Disbursements:
Operating expenses
$88,447.42
Interest paid
381.53
88,828.95
Disbursements in excess of receipts. 1,531.81
Deficit, December 31, 1929
9,941.38
THE ATTLEBOROUGH HOSPITAL Summary of Trust Fund Accounts December 31, 1929 EXHIBIT C, SCHEDULE III
Cash $ 636.86
Albert W. & Ellen Winsor
Savings Account
25,250.00
Certificate of Deposit 5,000.00
Charles C. Wilmarth Fund 10,000.00
Bonds
121,254.00
Emily H. Horton Fund. . . Harriet A. Robinson Wil-
1,000.00
Stocks 42,606.40
Real Estate, Sturdy Foun- dation 30,000.00
marth Permanent Bed Fund 5,000.00
William R. Cobb Fund .. 5,000.00
Mary A. Wilmarth Perma- ment Bed Fund. . 5,000.00
Dorothy Sulloway Sweet Permanent Bed Fund. . 5,000.00
Annie L. Ray Permanent Bed Fund. 5,000.00
Albert K. and Mary J. Hunton Permanent Bed Fund 5,000.00
Frances A. Crandall Fund 500.00
Sarah Finberg Fund. .
2,000.00
Life Membership Fund .. . 3,250.00 James F. and Adah S. Sturdy Real Estate Foundation. 30,000.00
Ida C. Bright Permanent Bed Fund. 5,000.00
Sarah J. and Mary Briggs Fund 5,000.00
Sturdy Memorial Hospital Alumnae Association Permanent Bed Fund ..
5,000.00
Donated Buildings and Equipment 172,392.72
1925 C mpaign Buildings and Equipment 349,887.63
Foundation $ 93,000.00
44
ANNUAL REPORT
Sundry Donations for
Buildings and Equip-
ment
10,000.00
Estate of Fannie M. Tap- pan, Donations forBuild- ings and Eqiupment . . . . 10,000.00
Sweet Donations for Build- ings and Equipment. 152,392.72
1925 Campaign Fund. 361,716.77
Surplus
28,168.12
$747,027.61
$747,027.61
THE ATTLEBOROUGH HOSPITAL
List of Life Members Trust Fund, December 31, 1929 (65 at $50.00 each) EXHIBIT C, SCHEDULE V
Maurice J. Baer Lloyd G. Balfour W. B. Ballou
Edwin F. Leach
Helena A. Leach
William J. Luther
Randolph E. Bell
David E. Makepeace
C. O. Gustav Beuttel Amos S. Blackinton George S. Bliven
Charles A. Mooers
*Philip E. Brady Fred E. Briggs
Dr. Frederick V. Murphy
Marion P. Carter
Edgar A. Remington
Miles L. Carter
Lillian B. Remington
George W. Cheever
Frank J. Ryder
Harriet O. Cheever Edward P. Claflin
Naomi W. Sawyer
George F. Sawyer
Frank E. Smith
Samuel M. Stone
Tilda B. Stone
Mary E. Sweeney
Florence M. Sweet
Victor R. Glencross
Gertrude H. Sweet
Edward L. Gowen
Harold E. Sweet
Hayward H. Sweet
Joseph L. Sweet Marian H. Sweet
Annie F. Upham
Ernest T. Upham Charles A. Whiting
*Josie A. Whiting Beatrice W. Wilmarth *Charles C. Wilmarth *Mary A. Wilmarth
*Deceased.
Horace B. Gowen Jessie M. Gowen Dr. William O. Hewitt Harry R. Holbrook Lida M. Holbrook Albert S. Ingraham *Gertrude E. Kendall Walter M. Kendall Dr. Ralph P. Kent Annie G. King William L. King
Gertrude F. Ryder
*Martha A. Claflin Dr. Joshua W. Clarke W. E. Coles Theron S. Curtis Blanche Daggett Joseph Finberg
Myra B. Makepeace
Ellen L. Mason
Geneva E. Murphy
45
ANNUAL REPORT
THE ATTLEBOROUGH HOSPITAL Campaign Cash Summary December 31, 1929 EXHIBIT D
Receipts:
Subscriptions collected :
To December 31, 1928.
$355,076.79 3,410.00
$358,486.79
Special contributions:
To December 31, 1928
3,739. 68
During 1929.
0.00
3,739.68
Interest on late collections
10.00
Interest on bank deposits and tem- porary investments:
To December 31, 1928
2,807.55
During 1929. .
0.00
2,807. 55
Total receipts.
Disbursements:
Payments on buildings and equipment :
To December 31, 1928.
349,887. 63
During 1929.
0.00
349,887. 63
Expenses to December 31, 1928
3,048.83
Expenses during 1929.
278.42
3,327. 25
Transfers from campaign bank ac-
counts to trust fund bank account : To December 31, 1928.
7,900.00
During 1929.
3,350.00
11,250.00
Total disbursements
364,464.88
Balance in campaign checking ac- counts December 31, 1929.
579.14
Balance distributed as follows:
First National Bank, Attleboro
$236.10
Attleboro Trust Company.
216.94
Manufacturers National Bank, North Attleboro.
126.10
579.14
NOTE-Campaign bank accounts are included in trust fund cash, but are set forth distinctly in this summary for information purposes.
ANNUAL REPORT STURDY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL AID ASSOCIATION
The regular meetings of the Sturdy Memorial Hospital Aid Association have been held during the season 1928-1929 in the Council Chamber with a very small attendance, a quorum being present at only one meeting in October, necessitating one extra meeting. Following the precedent of other years the money from the Chest income was spent for sewing materials, distributed by Mrs. Lawrence Keeler and her sewing committee, to the different societies for completion. It was used also for purchasing the many articles needed in the upkeep of the hospital and for maintenance of the free beds.
The people of the city responded generously on Donation Day, contributing
365,044.02
During 1929.
46
ANNUAL REPORT
many supplies for the Hospital store room. Mrs. Harold Blake served as efficient chairman of this committee.
The Association voted a sum of money not to exceed $300 for equipment of the Sun Porch. The spending of a still larger sum for a High Frequency appara- tus is being considered, the matter to come up again at the October meeting. No other business of importance has been transacted.
Respectfully submitted,
Irene L. Battey, Secretary.
Sturdy Memorial Hospital Aid Association ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TREASURER October 1st, 1928 to October 1st, 1929 Receipts
Balance on hand October 1st, 1929 $ 881.06
Received from Community Chest.
4,772.20
Received from individuals.
5.00
Interest on daily balances
14.32
$5,672.58
Disbursements
Women's Free Bed
$ 250.00
Children's Free Bed.
250.00
Maternity Bed.
500.00
Hospital Supplies and Sewing Material.
2,926.31
Sewing and Mending
350.00
Postage and Printing
3.50
$4,279.81
Balance on hand October 1st, 1929
$1,392.77
FURNISHING FUND Receipts
Balance on hand October 1st, 1928. $ 167.40
Received from Ladies' Benevolent Society
25.00
Received from Gertrude Ryder.
25.00
Received from Ioline Bacon Class.
25.00
Received from Daughters of Isabella
25.00
Received from Mutual Helpers.
25.00
Received from Q. O. C. Class.
25.00
Received from Graduate Nurses Club
25.00
Received from Raymond M. Horton (1928 & 1929)
50.00
Interest on deposit in Attleborough Savings Bank.
5.51
$ 397.91
Disbursements
Young Bros. Mattress Company $ 122.99
93.60
$ 216.59
Paine Furniture Company .
Balance on hand October 1st, 1929
$ 181.32
Respectfully submitted Annie A. Wheeler, Treasurer.
47
ANNUAL REPORT
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SEWING COMMITTEE Sturdy Memorial Hospital Aid Association For the year ending October 1, 1929 is as follows:
Baptist Sewing Circle-
126 doctor's towels 30 diapers 21 breast binders All Saints' Altar Guild- 6 night gowns 60 doctors' towels 90 diapers
Mrs. Remington's Class- 42 dish towels 190 diapers
Methodist Ladies- 7 many tail binders 100 diapers 12 night gowns 60 doctors' towels 12 many tail binders 6 Johnnys Swedish Evangelical Church Fildelia Class-
12 breast binders 60 diapers
Mrs. Clapp's Class- 60 diapers Women's Benevolent Society of the Muray Universalist Church- 300 diapers 338 doctors' towels 57 many tail binders 17 night gowns 52 stand covers 10 operating pants 13 breast binders 7 maternity petticoats
Pilgrim Ladies- 27 many tail binders 120 diapers 60 doctors' towels 24 stand covers 16 towels
Ioline Bacon Class- 380 draw sheets
Second Congregational Church-
240 dish towels 27 maternity aprons 12 breast binders 6 night gowns 240 diapers 192 doctors' towels 42 many tail binders 14 glass towels 6 operating sheets 10 operating room pants
Making a total of 3103 pieces.
Respectfully submitted, Grace Keeler, Chairman.
48
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE PURCHASING COMMITTEE of the Hospital Aid Association April 1-October 1, 1929
SPECIAL FUND
2 New Mattresses 5 Mattresses Made Over
2 Mahogany Arm Chairs
Respectfully submitted,
Gertrude H. Sweet Tilda B. Stone Dr. Laura M. Conibear
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PURCHASING COMMITTEE of Hospital Aid Association October 7, 1929
1 Crescent Dishwasher
1 set Dish Tables
8 doz. Tea Cups
4 doz. Tea Saucers
7 doz. Plates
8 doz. Fruit Dishes
2 doz. Oat Meal Bowl
4 doz. Plates
2 doz. Cream Pitchers
1 doz. Egg Cups
4 doz. Tea Pots
3 doz. Tea Pot Covers
5 doz. Tumblers
14 Vases
3 doz. Pneumonia Jackets
1 case Pioneer Bed Spreads
3 doz. Men's Bath Robes
170 pairs Gray Blankets
50 Single Blankets
10 doz. Bath Blankets
4 Patterns
10 doz. Sheets
53 yds. Cretonne
100 Bed Spreads
200 yds. Daisy Flannel
10 doz. Pillow Cases
57 yds. Cheese Cloth
439 yds. Unbleached Sheeting
389 yds. Linen Toweling
140 yds Curtain Material 6 doz. Spools Thread
340 yds Tape
100 pieces Diaper Material
150 yds. Good Night Twill 251 yds. Indian Head
2 Adult Wheel Chairs
3 Rugs
6 White Enamel Cots
6 Invincible Mattresses
49
ANNUAL REPORT
----
ATTLEBORO HEALTH CAMP
50
ANNUAL REPORT
Health Department
ORGANIZATION OF THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT, 1929
Health Officer WILLIAM O. HEWITT, M. D.
Inspector of Milk and Authorized Agent ERNEST W. DOYLE
Inspector of Plumbing ARTHUR B. READ JOSEPH M. SEAGRAVES
Inspector of Slaughtering HUGH GAW, D. V. S.
Inspector of Animals FREDERICK L. BRIGGS, D. V. M.
Health Department Nurse MARY E. McMAHON, R. N.
Registrar of Deaths STEPHEN H. FOLEY
Clerk DOROTHY McNERNEY
Associate Physician at Diphtheria Prevention Clinic JAMES H. BREWSTER, M. D.
Associate Physician at Tuberculosis Dispensary F. V. MURPHY, M. D.
51
ANNUAL REPORT
FIFTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT
To His Honor, the Mayor and Municipal Council Attleboro, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The Health Department submits for your consideration a record of its ac- tivities for the year ending December 31, 1929. Attention is called to the ap- pended tables of vital statistics, and communicable diseases which picture pre- vailing local health conditions. A financial page, the reports of the various sub-de- partments, and certain specific recommendations of the health officer are also included in this report.
ORGANIZATION
There has been no change in the list of department appointees during the year; several of these health workers have been with us for many years, and have rendered valuable and efficient service. There is, as has been mentioned in pre- vious reports, a great need for a full-time worker to act as Inspector of Milk and Authorized Agent. The employment of a full-time man to take charge of the municipal laboratory and of the milk and food inspection would enable the depart- ment to function more in line with health departments of other cities of similar population. The extra expense incurred would prove to be a worth while investment by providing a greater safety to our citizens. The demands here in this important branch of health work have long since outgrown such limited service as we have the right to expect from a part-time employee.
The department clinics have shown a satisfactory growth and the clerical and nursing duties have received necessary and careful attention.
HEALTH EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY
Popular education in health occupies a very improtant place today in modern municipal health department service. Every health worker knows, and the general public must soon realize that disease prevention in the future, if such work is to be administered with success, must be brought about largely through the channels of education and publicity.
During the past year with this idea in the foreground the department has made use of certain effective measures in an attempt to develop a "health-con- sciousness" among our citizens.
Prevention-An intensive campaign for the prevention of diphtheria was carried on during October, November and December which resulted in the permanent protection of a large number of children. In April, free vaccination clinics were conducted by the department.
Newspaper publicity-Timely articles on small pox, diphtheria prevention, and other health subjects were given publicity through the press. Paid news- paper advertisements were also used to call attention to the importance of vaccination and diphtheria prevention.
Literature-Four thousand attractive blotters urging toxin antitoxin treatment were distributed to parents through the schools. Literature on measles, and leaflets on other communicable diseases were circulated by nurses visiting the homes.
House to house canvass-The diphtheria prevention program was augmented this year by house to house visitation where much needed information was furnished by direct talks with parents. Two extra nurses were employed for a few weeks in this work.
52
ANNUAL REPORT
Health Camp instructions-The health camp for boys afforded an opportunity for forty children to learn, and also to live health habits during the whole camp period.
Visiting nurse-The department nurse acts as our most important agent in health educational work; daily personal contact in homes where communica- ble diseases are cared for enables her to teach first hand the importance of disease prevention, and to observe and report on the effectiveness of quaran- tine requirements.
OUR MILK SUPPLY
It is now a fully determined fact that safe clean milk is not only essential to the physical development of growing children, but also to the health of adults. Milk is a food of vital importance for which there is no real substitute. A safe milk supply should always be available for the public.
Every community has its own particular problem in dealing with its milk supply. In this city some of the danger of raw milk is at once eliminated because of the fact that most of the milk is produced nearby and its production and hand- ling is therefore more easily supervised. Inspection shows that our milk on the whole is a fairly clean milk. This is due to the willingness and the efforts of most of the local producers to comply with reasonable requirements. One must bear in mind, however, that the cleanest raw milk may not be free from danger.
The first concern of the public health official after all in so far as milk is concerned is to see that milk is used-one quart of milk per day for every person instead of less than one half this amount which is at present the average daily consumption. It is estimated that out of every dollar spent for food twenty-five cents is spent for dairy products. Milk is then a valuable food to the public, and the protection of its supply should receive active support.
What should the public demand as reasonable protection? Our knowledge of the possiblity of milk born disease which might at any time occur in our own city as it has in other places make the answer obvious. All milk sold here should be produced from tuberculin tested accredited herds or it should be pasteurized. Cleanliness of dairies, cleanliness of handling, a more rigid system of farm in- spection, are all important. Only clean milk, produced under sanitary conditions should be sold. Let it be understood that pasteurization should not be employed simply to make unclean milk keep sweet; but effective pasteurization should be used, and should be demanded by the purchaser to make clean milk, safe milk.
The estimate of out total daily output of milk from licensed dealers in Attle- boro is 8430 quarts. The product of four local dealers with efficient pasteurizing plants together with a small supply brought into the city from outside brings our daily output of pasteurized milk up to 4700 quarts. Fifty-five percent of our total output is pasteurized. It is estimated that 250 quarts of the raw milk is from accredited herds, and may be classed as grade A milk. It is apparent from these figures which are now published for the first time that there is a steadily increasing demand here for safe milk.
In the United States and Canada during 1928 there were forty-three milk- borne epidemics involving 2,129 cases and 94 deaths. Twenty-four of the out- breaks were of typhoid fever with 408 cases and 41 deaths. Ten were of scarlet fever, 407 cases being reported with five deaths. There were three epidemics of undulant fever. The most serious outbreak was of septic sore throat at Lee in our own state with 950 cases reported, and 48 deaths. The number of cities in the country and in this state requiring pasteurization of the general milk supply increases annually. Our problem is based on the most practicable method of securing and maintaining a safe milk supply and not at all on the question of whether raw milk is preferable to pasteurized milk.
53
ANNUAL REPORT
CONTAGIOUS DISEASES
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