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63
demand a remedy,'' no action has been taken by the
government for giving effect to the recommendations
of the Commissioners.
The following remedial measures were advocated
in the Report referred to :—
1. Purification of sewage before its discharge
in tidal waters.
2. The seizure and destruction of unwholesome
shell fish exposed for sale.
3. The setting up of a competent authority to
deal with all tidal waters, with power to
control foreshores, to close dangerous
beds, pits, ponds and layings, and in certain
circumstances to require treatment of
sewage.
In my opinion, No. 3 is of the greatest importance;
and until such competent authority,
armed with ample powers to give effect to its
views, is established, the present unsatisfactory
state of affairs will continue."
In Dr. Collingridge's Report for 1909 he again refers
to this subject, and in connection with reports on cases
of Enteric Fever attributed to the consumption of contaminated
oysters, he writes :—
" It will be seen from the foregoing that in
spite of the efforts of your officers and those of the
Fishmongers' Company, to prevent the distribution
and sale of polluted shell fish, it is clear that, until