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Report of the acting honorary treasurer
34 through our representatives with the Negotiating Committee o f the profession and with the British Medical Association. Scales and conditions have been submitted to the Ministry of Health for negotiation, and it was our view that these could most satisfactorily be dealt with in medical and dental councils within the Whitley machinery for the National Health Service. Neither the B.M.A. nor the B.D.A. have yet found the Whitley machinery as proposed by the Ministry acceptable in all details, but we hope that, as soon as agreement is reached on this machinery, public health service remuneration and conditions will get priority consideration, observing that the Spens Reports did not cover our sections of the medical and dental professions. Other questions, such as transfer and compensation and superannuation arising from the National Health Service changes, have been constantly reviewed and representations have been made on them with some effect. Mention should be made of two memoranda prepared by Groups and endorsed, with modifications, by the Council. These were the memoranda on " Dental Care of the Child under the National Health Service A c t " by the Dental Officers' Group (printed in PUBLIC HEALTH, June, 1948), and on " Staffing of Chest Clinics under the New Health Service," by the Tuberculosis Group (printed in PUBLIC HEALTH, July, 1948). Both these documents were widely circulated and caused much interest.
PUBLIC HEALTH, November, I948
R E P O R T OF T H E A C T I N G H O N O R A R Y TREASURER
In the regretted absence through illness of Dr. James Fenton, I have to submit the audited Balance Sheet and Income and Expenditure Account of the Society for the year ended September 30th, 1948. To take income first, the subscription income has exceeded b.y £54 the record amount of last year. The income from investments Js slightly up--by £8. The Journal account shows revenue up by £391 mainly due to better advertising revenue, indeed by far the highest from this source ever shown. The total income was £451 better than last year's and the biggest in the Society's history. It is, therefore, all the more disappointing to find that expenditure has also risen by £377, so that once again the year's work shows a deficit, £182 (less, however, by £73 than the deficit for 1946-47). The increases in expenditure under various heads are Staff £66, General £82, Journal £234, payments to Groups £13, Salary increments to the Executive Secretary (£250 of whose salary is charged against the Journal as Editor as against £200 last year) and other members of the staff account for nearly £140, the Roll of Members for nearly £50, travelling expenses of Council and Committees for £157, and journal printing for £137. It is difficult to see how the Society's expenditure can be cut without reducing the efficiency of the work of the central organisation or in the Branches and Groups. Indeed, under Premises we The Revised Constitution have the prospect of paying a considerably higher rent when ]t is Although the actual meeting to approve the revised Articles of possible to move from the present temporary office to the permanent office in the still uncompleted portion of Tavistock House South. Association was held a fortnight after the close of the session under review, we think it proper to point out that these changes will Looking at the other large items we can anticipate that the printing broaden the democratic basis of the management of the Society's of the Roll of Members will not be quite so expensive in future, as the edition which has been paid for during the past two sessions affairs and will bring dental members who desire to take up the was the first since 1939 and the material was entirely reset. HowFellowship on to the same footing as their medical colleagues. T h e question o f a change of the Society's tide remains for further con- ever, costs of printing and paper are so high that it would not be wise to expect too great a saving here. Travelling and maintenance sideration. expenses for members of the Council and Committees were affected The Retirlntl President this year by the increases in railway fares and the decision to pay Dr. Frederick Hall worthily upheld the prestige of the Society a slightly higher subsistence allowance for members who have to in this important year in his address to the Society, his seconding stay overnight in London for meetings ; no reduction can be anticiof the vote of thanks to H.R.H. Princess Elizabeth for opening the pated under this heading. The printing charge for the journal Centenary of Public Health Exhibition, London, his address to cannot be expected to diminish, although the increased advertising the M.O.H. Conference at the Health Congress, Harrogate, and revenue has produced a very satisfactory year so far as the journal his reply to the Minister at the annual dinner. Your Council wish to account is concerned. It may be recalled that in the early 1930's record their great appreciation of Dr. Hall's conduct of the the net apparent deficit on the journal used to average about £500 presidency. to £600 which was gradually reduced to under £300 by 1939, although the charges allocated for editorial and clerical assistance Other O t o e e s and Chairmen were much smaller than now. The proportion of subscriptions paid Thanks are also due to Sir Allen Daley and Prof. Johnstone Jervis to Branches and Groups are an essential element in the working of for the tenure of the Vice-Presidency, and a very special vote of thanks to Dr. G. F. Buchan, who combined the office of Vice- the Society. The Branches amount has changed only slightly as President with that of Chairman of Council. Dr. Buchan decided the net membership has increased. The amount paid to Groups, which was introduced in 1943 in substitution for the previous during the session that as he was no longer in active practice as a arrangements by which Groups' expenses were paid from the central medical officer of health he should give way to a serving M.O.H., account, has resulted in an annual sum approximating to that paid and he therefore retired from the chairmanship at the end of the out to the Branches. In view of the active part that the Groups session under review. We are glad that we have retained his valu- play in the Society's work and the growth in the strength of the able services as a M e m b e r of Council as he has been elected as an Groups, this annual payment must be reckoned as a standing " e m i n e n t person interested in the advancement of public health " feature in the Society's finances. under Article 19 ( f ) for the new session. T h e sudden illness of If we return to the income side, what are the prospects of inDr. James Fenton has deprived us of his services as Honorary creasing revenue so as to balance the enlarged expenditure? ReTreasurer and a member of Council for the time being, but we garding subscriptions, in view of the transfer of many former local hope to see him back with his health restored before long. Dr. authority medical officers to Regio0al Hospital Boards, it would not Cecil Herington is undertaking the duties of Acting Honorary be reasonable to expect much increase in the total membership of Treasurer in the meantime. Thanks are again due to Dr. J. i . the Society. Investment income is only likely to improve by a Gibson for his conduct of the chair of the General Purposes Com- lowering of the rate of income tax ; here I may point out that mittee ; and also to Prof. R. H. Parry, our new President, for his although the Society's invested capital has increased from £7,835 chairmanship of the Planning Committee, which dealt with matters in 1939, to £12,414 at present, the revenue this year has only exof great importance. Prof. Picken has again served as Chairman of ceeded that for 1939 by £23. Under Journal Account advertising the Journal Committee and has always been available for consultation revenue cannot be further increased until more paper is available for by the Editor, although his visits to London have been restricted periodicals. The rates charged are already as high as is proper. by his University responsibilities. Lastly, grateful thanks are again If, therefore, the Society is to melt each year's expenditure out accorded to the officers of the Branches and Groups who give so of revenue, we have only one course to consider, which is raising much time and energy to the business of the Society. the Society's subscription rates. This might, I think, be acceptable if and when the remuneration of the public health service is Retiring Members of Council brought to reasonable levels in comparison with other branches of T h e annual re-elections involve the retirement of Drs. A. F. the profession, but for obvious reasons I cannot recommend any Adamson. Cyril Banks, G. L. Brocklehurst, H. D. Chalke, R. M. immediate change. Meantime I ask members to do their best to Galloway, Mr. D. Stave!ey Gough, F.R.C.S. (B.M.A.), Drs. Katherine bring into the membership any colleagues who have not hitherto M. Hirst, H. L. Oldershaw, D. D. Payne and F. T. H. Wood. Drs. joined the Society and to pay up their own subscriptions promptly, Banks and Wood have both withdrawn on retirement from public which in itself would save a lot of wasted effort and expense at the health work. Both are Past-Presidents of the Society and have central office. The use of Bankers' Orders by members is always served many years on the Council. We are very sorry to say farewell welcomed by the staff. to them and to the other members above named. Regarding the Balance Sheet there is little to say except that some slight changes in headings have been made to conform with Stag The office staff of the Society have again been hard pressed by the requirements of the Companies Act, 1948. The general position the volume of business which has fallen upon their shoulders during of the Society is still on a sound financial basis. C. E. E. HERINGTON, this busy year. The Council, on b e h a l f of the Society, expresses Acting Honorary Treasurer. gratitude and appreciation for their efforts.
PUBLIC HEALTH, November, I948
R E P O R T OF T H E A C T I N G H O N O R A R Y TREASURER
In the regretted absence through illness of Dr. James Fenton, I have to submit the audited Balance Sheet and Income and Expenditure Account of the Society for the year ended September 30th, 1948. To take income first, the subscription income has exceeded b.y £54 the record amount of last year. The income from investments Js slightly up--by £8. The Journal account shows revenue up by £391 mainly due to better advertising revenue, indeed by far the highest from this source ever shown. The total income was £451 better than last year's and the biggest in the Society's history. It is, therefore, all the more disappointing to find that expenditure has also risen by £377, so that once again the year's work shows a deficit, £182 (less, however, by £73 than the deficit for 1946-47). The increases in expenditure under various heads are Staff £66, General £82, Journal £234, payments to Groups £13, Salary increments to the Executive Secretary (£250 of whose salary is charged against the Journal as Editor as against £200 last year) and other members of the staff account for nearly £140, the Roll of Members for nearly £50, travelling expenses of Council and Committees for £157, and journal printing for £137. It is difficult to see how the Society's expenditure can be cut without reducing the efficiency of the work of the central organisation or in the Branches and Groups. Indeed, under Premises we The Revised Constitution have the prospect of paying a considerably higher rent when ]t is Although the actual meeting to approve the revised Articles of possible to move from the present temporary office to the permanent office in the still uncompleted portion of Tavistock House South. Association was held a fortnight after the close of the session under review, we think it proper to point out that these changes will Looking at the other large items we can anticipate that the printing broaden the democratic basis of the management of the Society's of the Roll of Members will not be quite so expensive in future, as the edition which has been paid for during the past two sessions affairs and will bring dental members who desire to take up the was the first since 1939 and the material was entirely reset. HowFellowship on to the same footing as their medical colleagues. T h e question o f a change of the Society's tide remains for further con- ever, costs of printing and paper are so high that it would not be wise to expect too great a saving here. Travelling and maintenance sideration. expenses for members of the Council and Committees were affected The Retirlntl President this year by the increases in railway fares and the decision to pay Dr. Frederick Hall worthily upheld the prestige of the Society a slightly higher subsistence allowance for members who have to in this important year in his address to the Society, his seconding stay overnight in London for meetings ; no reduction can be anticiof the vote of thanks to H.R.H. Princess Elizabeth for opening the pated under this heading. The printing charge for the journal Centenary of Public Health Exhibition, London, his address to cannot be expected to diminish, although the increased advertising the M.O.H. Conference at the Health Congress, Harrogate, and revenue has produced a very satisfactory year so far as the journal his reply to the Minister at the annual dinner. Your Council wish to account is concerned. It may be recalled that in the early 1930's record their great appreciation of Dr. Hall's conduct of the the net apparent deficit on the journal used to average about £500 presidency. to £600 which was gradually reduced to under £300 by 1939, although the charges allocated for editorial and clerical assistance Other O t o e e s and Chairmen were much smaller than now. The proportion of subscriptions paid Thanks are also due to Sir Allen Daley and Prof. Johnstone Jervis to Branches and Groups are an essential element in the working of for the tenure of the Vice-Presidency, and a very special vote of thanks to Dr. G. F. Buchan, who combined the office of Vice- the Society. The Branches amount has changed only slightly as President with that of Chairman of Council. Dr. Buchan decided the net membership has increased. The amount paid to Groups, which was introduced in 1943 in substitution for the previous during the session that as he was no longer in active practice as a arrangements by which Groups' expenses were paid from the central medical officer of health he should give way to a serving M.O.H., account, has resulted in an annual sum approximating to that paid and he therefore retired from the chairmanship at the end of the out to the Branches. In view of the active part that the Groups session under review. We are glad that we have retained his valu- play in the Society's work and the growth in the strength of the able services as a M e m b e r of Council as he has been elected as an Groups, this annual payment must be reckoned as a standing " e m i n e n t person interested in the advancement of public health " feature in the Society's finances. under Article 19 ( f ) for the new session. T h e sudden illness of If we return to the income side, what are the prospects of inDr. James Fenton has deprived us of his services as Honorary creasing revenue so as to balance the enlarged expenditure? ReTreasurer and a member of Council for the time being, but we garding subscriptions, in view of the transfer of many former local hope to see him back with his health restored before long. Dr. authority medical officers to Regio0al Hospital Boards, it would not Cecil Herington is undertaking the duties of Acting Honorary be reasonable to expect much increase in the total membership of Treasurer in the meantime. Thanks are again due to Dr. J. i . the Society. Investment income is only likely to improve by a Gibson for his conduct of the chair of the General Purposes Com- lowering of the rate of income tax ; here I may point out that mittee ; and also to Prof. R. H. Parry, our new President, for his although the Society's invested capital has increased from £7,835 chairmanship of the Planning Committee, which dealt with matters in 1939, to £12,414 at present, the revenue this year has only exof great importance. Prof. Picken has again served as Chairman of ceeded that for 1939 by £23. Under Journal Account advertising the Journal Committee and has always been available for consultation revenue cannot be further increased until more paper is available for by the Editor, although his visits to London have been restricted periodicals. The rates charged are already as high as is proper. by his University responsibilities. Lastly, grateful thanks are again If, therefore, the Society is to melt each year's expenditure out accorded to the officers of the Branches and Groups who give so of revenue, we have only one course to consider, which is raising much time and energy to the business of the Society. the Society's subscription rates. This might, I think, be acceptable if and when the remuneration of the public health service is Retiring Members of Council brought to reasonable levels in comparison with other branches of T h e annual re-elections involve the retirement of Drs. A. F. the profession, but for obvious reasons I cannot recommend any Adamson. Cyril Banks, G. L. Brocklehurst, H. D. Chalke, R. M. immediate change. Meantime I ask members to do their best to Galloway, Mr. D. Stave!ey Gough, F.R.C.S. (B.M.A.), Drs. Katherine bring into the membership any colleagues who have not hitherto M. Hirst, H. L. Oldershaw, D. D. Payne and F. T. H. Wood. Drs. joined the Society and to pay up their own subscriptions promptly, Banks and Wood have both withdrawn on retirement from public which in itself would save a lot of wasted effort and expense at the health work. Both are Past-Presidents of the Society and have central office. The use of Bankers' Orders by members is always served many years on the Council. We are very sorry to say farewell welcomed by the staff. to them and to the other members above named. Regarding the Balance Sheet there is little to say except that some slight changes in headings have been made to conform with Stag The office staff of the Society have again been hard pressed by the requirements of the Companies Act, 1948. The general position the volume of business which has fallen upon their shoulders during of the Society is still on a sound financial basis. C. E. E. HERINGTON, this busy year. The Council, on b e h a l f of the Society, expresses Acting Honorary Treasurer. gratitude and appreciation for their efforts.