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137
that, even so far as it has gone, there is proof that it has been
successful. The summer of 1906 was a severe test ; and although
1907, from the meteorological point of view, has been an extraordinary
year as regards its effect on the infantile death-rate, it
is in the nature of things improbable that such favourable
climatic conditions as those which exercised such a remarkable
influence on the death-rate from summer diarrhoea during the
year can occur very often. Nor from other points of view
is it desirable that they should do so.
Some experiments were also conducted by the Council with
the object of allaying dust nuisance, a matter of considerable
importance from the public health standpoint. Various dustlaying
processes were tried, and apparently with more or less
satisfactory results. The summer of 1907 was, owing to the
heavy rainfall, not a favourable year for these tests, and it may
perhaps be as well to withhold any further comment until further
and more definite proof is available of the value of these methods
of dust prevention.
Customs and Inland Revenue Acts.
During 1907 certificates under the Customs and Inland
Revenue Act, 1903, in connection with tenements (or dwellings)
so constructed as to afford suitable accommodation for such of
the families inhabiting the same, have been applied for, and,
after inspection by the Medical Officer of Health, 8 have been
granted and 35 have been refused.
The Act provides that the owners of dwellings of a certain
class may claim exemption from inhabited house duty on producing
a certificate from the Medical Officer of Health that the
dwellings afford proper and suitable sanitary conditions for the
inhabitants of these dwellings. On receipt of an application a
detailed inspection is made, and if found not to be satisfactory,
a list of requirements is drawn up and sent to the owner.
Should these requirements be carried out, the necessary certificate
is then granted.