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76
County Council states that it is competent for any person
to take proceedings, and that Societies may, if they think
fit, instruct their officers to apply as common informers for
summonses under the bye-law. The Lambeth Borough Council
might, with advantage, give the necessary instructions to
their officers.
In view of the facts stated in this Report, I am of opinion,
and recommend, that the Borough Council should take further
action to assist in preventing the spread of consumption
in the Borough. I acknowledge, at the same time, that
much good has been, and will continue to be, the outcome
of the Council's action in connection with the continuance
of the preventive methods at present in vogue, viz., the voluntary
notification of the disease; the disinfection of known
infected houses, rooms, and contents; the distribution of
pamphlets (circulars) as required; the bacteriological examinations
of suspected expectoration, etc. The Council's
willingness and readiness at all times to carry out any useful
practical suggestions for the prevention of disease, warrant
me in expressing the hope that the suggestions given in this
Report will receive attention at an early date.
The mortality and morbidity from consumption are, at
present, most serious matters, more especially as they affect
chiefly the wage-earning classes at the best wage-earning
periods of their lives, viz., 15 to 35 years.
The loss to the Borough financially from consumption,
therefore, is a most important item.
Joseph Priestley.
May 29th, 1905.