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145
[1910
The figures for the year contrast with those of the preceding five years, as
follows:—
Houses. Rooms.
1905 283 - 380
1906 258 - 369
1907 296 - 411
1908 281 - 361
1009 514 - 672
19iO --- - 481 645
Prevention of Phthisis.—The question of the prevention of Phthisis
is year by year gaining a greater hold on public attention, as the people more
clearly understand that although it is an infectious disease, it is also a very
preventable one. Indeed, it was no doubt owing to the firm hold that they have
taken of this idea that the Chancellor of the Exchequer has been induced to
bring in a Bill which will enable the Government to devote a large sum of
money for the erection of Sanatoria and other institutions for the cure of this
disease, and the instruction of those persons passing through them as to the
best methods to be adopted for its prevention when they leave the institutions.
The Government evidently grasped the fact that the instruction of the afflicted
is of the first importance if the disease is to be prevented. Everything rests
with the patients, because as they are careful or careless so will the disease
behave. If there is no spitting, no careless use of handkerchiefs or other
infected articles, and no similar acts, there will be little or no phthisis. But
this action of the Government will not relieve the local authorities of their
duties, one of which is undoubtedly that they should appoint Health Visitors
to visit the afflicted to instruct them as to what they should do to prevent the
spread of the disease, as well as to the best means to adopt for their own comfort
and cure. It is not meant by this that they should advise them as to medicines,
but as to how they should obtain the greatest amount of sunshine and pure air,
as well as cleanliness in their homes. There are many other matters also
Houses. Rooms.
1st quarter 134 . 169
2nd „ . 127 - 191
3rd 96 127
4th „ ... 124 - 158
Total 481 - 645