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already stated) we know that diphtheria is highly con-tagious,
but we have no certain knowledge with respect to
the conditions which permit its spread, and which have
determined its recent growth in London.
It will be observed from what I have said above that
some of the conditions which cause ill-health and death in
the poorer parts of the parish, and which help, therefore,
to swell their death-rate are conditions over which we,
as sanitary authorities, have little or no direct control.
In concluding my report I should like to be permitted,
to express my high opinion of Dr. Stevens's work during
the last twelve months, and my thanks to him for much
personal assistance of value; to say that I think your large
staff of inspectors have shewn great interest in their work,
and devotion to it, and have done it in a highly satisfactory
manner, and yet so as to cause but little friction; to speak
in praise of the excellent way in which disinfection has
been carried out by your disinfecting staff; and to pay a
warm tribute to the trustworthy and untiring zeal with
which Mr. Griffiths and the clerk have performed their
respective onerous and important duties. I should like also
to give my heart-felt thanks both to the Vestry and to the
Sanitary Committee for the great kindness they have shewn
me during my unfortunate illness —a kindness in fact which
has never failed since I became connected with the vestry.
I remain, gentlemen, your obedient servant,
J.S.BRISTOWE.