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disinfecting results to B, then A should be capable of demonstrating
the fact by a reduced number of subsequent cases among the numerous
infected households of a large community.
If there is no evidence of this in a careful investigation spreading
over two years in a population of about 55,000, then I am not
disposed to believe that in practice there can be a material difference
in the results. I conclude, therefore, that there is from the standpoint
of efficiency little to choose between either method if it is duly
recognised that both represent but one step of several which are
necessary for the complete disinfection of the room and its contents;
and that the most important of these steps are the washing down
with soap and a disinfecting solution of all those surfaces on which
dust (and with it the germs) can settle, and the removal of all
articles into which germs can penetrate, for steam disinfection.
PUBLIC HEALTH LEGISLATION IN 1907.
The year 1907 was fruitful in Public Health legislation. The
principal new Acts that have a bearing on the work of the Sanitary
Authority are : The Public Health (Regulations as to Food) Act,
1907; the Notification of Births Act, 1907 ; the Education (Administrative
Provisions) Act, 1907; the Factory and Workshop Act, 1907
(dealing with laundries); the Public Health Acts Amendment Act of
1907 ; and the Butter and Margarine Act of 1907. A brief digest
of these Acts may be given.
THE PUBLIC HEALTH (REGULATIONS AS TO FOOD)
ACT, 1907.
This Act is a short but possibly very comprehensive and
elastic measure. It confers, inter alia, power to make regulations
for preventing danger to the public health from the importation,
D