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the open-air treatment for consumptives was much lauded,
emphasis being laid upon the kind of building needed, its position
to prevailing winds, importance of securing a site with as
much sunlight and fresh air as possible, etc., etc. It was pointed
out, however, that few (very few) of those who undergo the openair
treatment, and are, apparently, cured, are able afterwards to
return to their usual employment, and it was suggested that
agricultural colonies might, with advantage, be started in the
country districts. Such colonies should be self-supporting.
The statement of Professor Koch, made at the Tuberculosis
Congress last year, to the effect that bovine and human tuberculosis
were different diseases, and not inter-communicable, came
in for a large share of adverse criticism, more especially by
Prof. Nocard, who would appear to have come over from Paris
for that sole object. According to Prof. Nocard, who, by the
way, is a great authority, the statement made by Prof. Koch is
untrue. A Royal Commission in England is at present investigating
the matter, and will, doubtless, give a definite and decided
opinion on the subject shortly.
(c). Housing of the Working Classes.
Nothing new was suggested. The practical difficulties in connecion
with the subject were again put forward, and the usual
suggestions offered, viz., removal of work-places and work-people
to the country districts, together with (concurrent) improved,
quick, and cheap means of transit; extension of the period for
repayment of loan for erecting model dwellings, and lessening of
the rate of interest for borrowed moneys; less stringent building
bye-laws; provision for the needs of the very poor by Municipal
common lodging-houses; etc., etc.
(d). Sewage Disposal.
What Manchester is doing in respect of Sewage Disposal was
much in evidence, and the general feeling amongst the experts
and others was to the effect that the bacteriological methods by
septic tanks or open-air settling tanks, followed by double filtration
(1) over and through bacteriological filters of coke breeze,
etc., and (2) over land, give the best results; and that, as a
corollary, the days of chemical treatment (precipitation) are numbered.
Trade waste requires special attention in connection with
sewage treatment, and its proper disposal in manufacturing towns
is an important consideration.
(e). Need for Education in Sanitary Matters.
At the Congress the importance of educating the people, more
especially the young population, in sanitary matters was insisted