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There were, in addition, 30 deaths from other tuberculous
diseases.
51. The death-rate from Phthisis was 1.27, being 1.2 in
West Plumstead, and 1.4 in East Plumstead.
52. In all these cases of death, and in some others notified
by the Poor Law Medical Officers attending them, a Sanitary
Inspector called at the house, left printed instructions, and
offered disinfectants for spittoons, and fumigation on death or
vacating of rooms. Only in eight cases was fumigation
accepted however.
53. The 86 deaths occurred in 85 houses, situated in 60
streets. Five houses in Maxey Road were affected, and three
in each of the following—Bglinton Road, Ann Street, Pattison
Road, Walmer Road, and Bannockburn Road.
54. I consulted with the Principal Medical Officer of the
Royal Arsenal on measures for preventing the spread of
tubercle in the Arsenal, and on his recommendation spittoons
containing some disinfectant have been, I understand, provided
in the principal workshops by the Arsenal Authorities.
55. The formation of the Society for the prevention of
tuberculosis, and its inaugural meeting at Marlborough House,
have called public attention in the past year to the fact that
tuberculosis is a preventable disease, and to the necessity for
taking measures for its prevention. But many Medical Officers
of Health, including myself, have for years past being advising
their sanitary authorities to take the steps recommended by
the new society.
56. It is doubtful, however, whether very much will be
done in diminishing the spread of tubercule infection until
b