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iv.
Of all sanitary measures affecting consumption those affecting housing are of first
importance. Apart from schemes dealing with the re-construction of areas, the supervision
and regulation secured by the by-laws relating to houses let in lodgings ensure the amelioration
of homes of the poorer classes. That work has been carried out energetically for some
eight or nine years, and it is, therefore, a pleasure to record (page 67) a diminution in the
mortality during the past year in the " Clarendon Street Area," where the by-laws have been
longest and most thoroughly enforced. Many undesirable conditions still exist in that Area
which cannot be remedied under the by-laws or the Public Health Act. If the Housing and
Town Planning Bill now before Parliament be passed in its present form, great and radical
improvements will be possible.
The spread of tuberculous disease (usually ending in consumption) by the milk from
cows infected with that disease is now generally admitted. It will be possible to take
effective measures to check the spread of the disease to man by active administration of the
Dairies and Milkshop Bill and the Tuberculosis Order, 1909, of the Board of Agriculture.
The former measure promises great and useful reforms in the milk supply quite apart from its
provisions relating to tuberculosis.
The part played by flies in the conveyance of disease is becoming more and more
appreciated. As a consequence municipal cleansing, that is scavenging and dust removal,
acquires an importance not previously recognised. Increased expenditure in those directions
will be recouped with interest by the reduction in losses of life and wealth by sickness. As
regards dust removal, I am very strongly of opinion that a weekly removal is not sufficient
during the hotter months of the vear (see page 54).
In conclusion I desire to tender my sincere thanks to the Chairman and Members of
the Public Health Committee for their continued confidence and support in my endeavours to
discharge the responsible duties entrusted to me by the Council; to my medical confreres
practising in the Borough for their generous co-operation; and to the Staff of the Department
who have loyally carried out their duties during the past year.
I have the honour to be,
Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen,
Your most obedient servant,
m.a., m.b., d.p.h., f.s.s.,
Medical Officer of Health.
Town Hall,
Paddington, W.
29th June, 1909.