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served the number of the former being 273 more, and
of the latter 294 more than in the previous year. As a
result of the greater prevalence of infectious diseases the
number of houses disinfected after such diseases, was
increased by 54. Sulphur fumigation continues to be
the agent employed for the purpose with undiminished
success. In the 317 houses in which it was used, disease
recurred in four instances only. When it is considered
that upwards of two-thirds of all cases of the kind were
treated at the patients' homes such result must be held
to be extremely satisfactory.
The number of complaints submitted to the local
committee and disposed of was 1,267, being a slight
increase over that of the previous year.
All the cowhouses and slaughter houses were as usual
examined and certified as being in a satisfactory state
previous to a renewal of the licenses of their owners.
The bakehouses also were examined twice in the year
and found in a satisfactory condition.
Great as was the amount of sanitary work accomplished
during the year there is one item in the Table
above referred to, viz.:-House to house inspection
which shews a diminution that has progressively
increased to the present time. I venture to express the
hope that this measure of primary importance will not be
curtailed in its operation, inasmuch as it forms by the
disclosure of existing sanitary defects the first and
necessary step for their abatement. It is idle to wait
for such disclosure from the public generally who seldom
make complaint except uder the pressure of a nuisance
which has become intolerable or has already caused
sickness or death. It is idle, indeed it is mischevious to
let this measure of prevention be postponed to the