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3. It is certain that thriftlessness, alcoholism, and immorality
abound, and are gravely affecting certain classes in the Borough.
Any influence, therefore, which tends to counteract these things is
an influence in favour of health, and the same is to be said for all
social and religious agencies and influences which tend to raise the
moral tone of the community or the character of the individual.
For this reason it must not be forgotten that voluntary workers of
many different views and creeds are all contributing to the betterment
of physical life and health in Finsbury.
4. It is difficult to see any practicable means of providing more
open spaces in Finsbury, though such are greatly needed. Where
there is least open space in the Borough death rates from all causes,
and particularly from phthisis, are highest. For the same reason
cheap and quick transit from the centre and to the centre are
needed.
5. The effectual cleansing of streets and frequent removal of
refuse is another important requirement, for street dust and dirt
bears a direct relation to infant diarrhoea and other diseases.
(5. Lastly, there is the equitable and uniform administration of
the Public Health Acts. The sphere of influence of the Local
Authority is chiefly perhaps in the administration of the law as it
concerns the public health. Few things are more characteristic of
our time than the increasing share which the State (as represented by
the Local Authority), takes in protecting the life of the individual.
What is being done in Finsbury in this way is discussed in the
foregoing Report. Speaking in a general way the chief work
of a Sanitary Authority is to deal with broad commonsense requirements,
and to create and maintain as far as possible a healthy
environment for all persons in the community. An atmosphere
unpolluted by smoke, effluvia, or dust; pure food, milk and meat,
each of them sold unadulterated and without prejudice or injury to
the purchaser ; a pure and ample water supply ; clean streets and
houses; sanitary school accommodation ; healthy factories, workshops
and workplaces; the exercise of powers in respect of
insanitary property and overcrowding; the prompt removal of