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In Table IV. is shown the distribution over the age
periods and in Wards, the majority being between the ages of
25 and 45.
Twenty-three followed outdoor occupations and 28 indoor,
13 being Shop Assistants and Clerks.
Only 25 notifications under the voluntary system in force
were received. This is most disappointing, but it is the
experience of all places where voluntary notification has or is
being tried. It is to be deplored that more demand is not
made for disinfection of dwellings where cases of these
diseases have occurred. Although it has been made known
that disinfection will be carried out free of charge, neither
landlords or occupiers have shown much disposition to avail
themselves of the offer. Where request has been made or permission
sought for disinfection, it has generally been by the
Medical Attendant, but it is the exception rather than the rule
to have disinfection done, as can be seen when we note that in
only 18 houses was it carried out. Taking three times the
number of deaths as the number of persons in the district
suffering from Phthisis, it is observed that in only about
one in ten is the offer to disinfect taken advantage of. There
is a strong objection to notification on the part of sufferers
from the disease, which can readily be understood.
Compulsory notification is now being advocated by those
who have made a special study of the disease as it affects
dense communities, but public opinion is not yet ripe for this
step.
In Ireland consumption has largely increased, and compulsory
notification has been made and a systematic national
crusade embarked upon, but in England and Scotland it has
for the past sixty years shown a steady and marked decline.
In pursuance of Section 130 of the Public Health Act,
1875, as amended and extended by the Public Health Act,
1896, the Local Government Board has issued an Order to
provide for the notification to the Medical Officers of Health
of Sanitary Authorities of cases of Pulmonary Tuberculosis
occurring amongst the inmates of Poor Law Institutions, or
amongst persons under the care of District Medical Officers,
and for the taking of certain measures in such cases.
The Order which is designated " the Public Health
(Tuberculosis) Regulations, 1908," comes into force on the 1st
January, 1909, and applies to England and Wales, and is to
be enforced and executed by every Council, every Board of
Guardians, every Joint Committee, and every Board of
Managers.
Its chief points are as under: —
Article IV. of the Order directs that the Medical Officer
of a Poor Law Institution shall, within 48 hours after his
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