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8
impracticable in their application. I doubt whether
the public is sufficiently impressed with the value of
the science of sanitation, to submit to the literal application
of laws sufficiently stringent and comprehensive,
to be really effective in suppressing epidemic disease.
Take for example an epidemic of scarlatina: to check
its course, complete isolation of patients, and often
removal of persons from their homes would be essential
to success, in addition to the more practical sanitary
works of disinfection of houses, bedding, clothing, &c.
These measures must all be carried out systematically,
stringently, and under competent authoritative supervision;
their partial application, in the case of such a
disease, would produce only partially good results. You
cannot check or extingush a fire without removing or
isolating the combustible material, and by the ample
application of water; leave, however little flame and
combustible matter within reach, and the conflagration
will spread; so with these infectious diseases, they
must be treated as I have indicated to produce
their effectual suppression. To attain this object is
quite practicable, but as I have said, I do not think
the public is yet prepared for such application of the
necessary means.
I trust the Royal Commission will obtain such information
as to induce them to base their recommendations
for future legislation upon practical rather than
theoretical data, so that the administration of the laws
relating to the public health may be really efficient, and,
at the same time, just and economical.
Artizans' and Labourers' Dwellings' Act.
The powers given under this Act have been exercised
in two instances, embracing fourteen houses in
Frimley Street, North Ward, and Eaton Place, Centre
Ward.