MUNICIPAL LIFE OF BLACKPOOL 91 



Aviation and Air Port. 



The late Lord Northcliffe in the autumn of 1909 suggested an aviation 

 meeting at Blackpool. A deputation made two visits to Rheims, and the 

 outcome was the organising of a Flying Week at Blackpool. Many of the 

 leading Continental aviators, such as Messrs. Farman, Paulhan, Latham, 

 Le Blanc, Rougier, and our own countryman, A. V. Roe, accepted Blackpool's 

 invitation and gave daring and exciting exhibitions. The Corporation's 

 interest in aviation has never flagged. Other Air Pageants have been held, 

 at one of which a display was given by members of the Royal Air Force. 



An airport, with clubhouse, has been constructed east of the Stanley Park. 

 Here is an instance of Blackpool rendering a national service, the 

 Council having expended no less a sum than £81,957 up to the 31st March 

 last year on this undertaking, and in the purchase of a large area of land 

 adjoining. 



Housing. 



The Corporation, on 10 housing estates and with houses acquired, have 

 provided nearly 1 ,400 dwellings. 



The capital expenditure amounts to £1 ,1 77,310. Subsidies to the extent of 

 £125,845 have been granted to 1,704 persons in respect of houses erected by 

 them, and £245,867 has been advanced on mortgage under the Small Dwellings 

 Acquisition Acts in respect of 387 properties. The Corporation housing 

 rentals vary from 6s. 8d. to 13s. 6d. per week. 



Public Health Services. 



The Medical Officer of Health, who is also the Chief School Medical Officer 

 for the county borough, directs the varied activities of the Health Department. 

 In addition to the general sanitation of the area, he is responsible for the 

 hygienic condition of all factories and workshops, bake-houses and all milk 

 and food preparation and storage premises. In a prominent health resort like 

 Blackpool these duties are of the greatest importance in ensuring the provision 

 to the general community of a pure and wholesome food supply. 



The Maternity and Child Welfare Scheme embraces the care of the 

 expectant mother during the whole of her pregnancy, the provision of special 

 ante-natal clinics in the northern, central and southern areas of the town, and 

 the provision of a Maternity Ward. The working is in the hands of a special 

 medical officer under the direction of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, and 

 in addition to the ante-natal treatment, there are held in each area of the town 

 Infant Welfare Centres where the children from birth to the age of five years 

 are cared for, in order that on attaining school age they may be handed over to 

 the School Authority well in health and fitted to commence their scholastic 

 duties. 



Periods of rest and quiet are provided at convalescent homes for the weakly 

 mother, and great benefit results. Financial assistance is rendered to the 

 midwifery profession when dealing with cases of distress or financial difficulties. 

 Dental treatment is also provided for the expectant and nursing mothers and 

 young children, and this has resulted in great benefit to the recipients. 



