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fatal than smallpox, three times more fatal than diphtheria and nearly twice as
fatal as scarlet fever, etc. It was followed very closely by whooping cough, so
that although very much taken for granted, measles, whooping cough and diarrhoea
killed in such numbers because they were neglected and look upon as slight ailments
which required hardly any care and attention. When the medical attendant was
called in it was usually too late for good to be done.
Dr. Harris pointed out in 1892 that the character of the Parish was changing
rapidly and that houses formerly occupied by single families of the wealthier classes
were now being occupied by two or more families in inferior positions.
Dr. Harris was anxious that the best type of person should become a Sanitary
Inspector and that he should be paid according to his worth. He wrote :—
" It is folly to think because a man is a good mechanic, whether he be a plumber,
a mason or a carpenter, that he must, therefore, be a good Sanitary Inspector.
It seems to me that education comes first, and everything else afterwards ; that
the educated men can only be procured by offering sufficient salaries, by raising
the dignity of the office, and by making their positions secure. I write thus
because I know from long experience that many persons in the public boards
all over the country, and Islington is no exception, are of opinion that the
work of these men can be done by anyone. This is absolutely erroneous, and
I trust that before long it will have disappeared. And I also sincerely hope
that the Vestry of this great Parish will be one of the first to recognise these
facts, and offer to their future Inspectors such inducements as will attract the
best men, and when they have attracted them, incite them to remain."
Dr. Harris had very strong views on the right to health as is shown by the
following :—
" Nevertheless, this fact remains that not a few of the London districts lag a long
distance behind many of the large provincial towns in matters of sanitation.
" But since the passing of the Public Health (London) Act, 1891, there has
been a steady forward movement in the Metropolis, and possibly nowhere
more than in Islington, where sanitation is so active, that one now constantly
hears of the persecution of the ' poor property owner.' That owner who for
long years had everything his own way, and who did as little as he could to
make things healthy for his tenants, knowing well that there were plenty
of persons ready to occupy any or every house. Property has rights, but so has
flesh and blood ; and if it be right that property should be protected from
unnecessary exactions, it is surely righteous that the health and lives of human
beings should be safe-guarded in every way. Insanitary property owners have
had their day."
The Sanitary Inspectors were increased to 14 in this year and Mr. J. R. Leggatt
was appointed first as Superintendent of the Public Health Department and then
re-designated Chief Sanitary Inspector.
1893 was also notable for the approval of a scheme for the fixing of a site
at the rear of Hornsey Road Public Baths for the erection of a Disinfecting Station
and Shelter House. This was constructed and opened in 1894. (Recommended
by Dr. Tidy in 1873 !)
Dr. Harris also persuaded the Committee to add a laundry to the Disinfecting
Station, so that clothing and bedding that had been soiled would not be returned to
the owners' homes before they had been " thoroughly cleansed at the hands of a
careful laundress." He felt that this Station would be found the best of its kind when
opened, not only in London, but in the United Kingdom.