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Again, in referring to the conditions then prevailing in tenement houses,
he wrote:—
"It is no uncommon thing in a room 12 ft. square or less to find three
"or four families styed together (perhaps with infectious diseases among
"them) filling the same space night and day—men, women and children
"in the promiscuous intimacy of cattle. Of these inmates, it is nearly
"superfluous to observe that in all offices of nature they are gregarious
"and public ; that every instinct of personal or sexual decency is stifled ;
"that every nakedness of life is uncovered there. Who can wonder at
"what becomes, physically or morally, of infants begotten and born in
"these bestial crowds!"
Happilv, with the advance of sanitary science and stricter supervision
entailed by the passing of successive statutory measures for the protection of
the public health, such a state of things as those referred to above is no longer
possible, but there is little doubt that in years to come, sanitarians, in
referring to the present time, will take those responsible for modern
conditions seriously to task for not having made greater progress than they
have in sanitary improvements. Fortunately, the old festina lente idea with
regard to such matters is out of favour owing to increased knowledge and the
pressure of public opinion, and almost every year the Statute Book is inscribed
with fresh measures for the improvement of the public health.
The citizens have willingly borne the enormous expense incurred in building
new thoroughfares, widening streets, demolishing unhealthy areas, and the
erection and maintenance of dwellings for the working classes.
In no place at the present day is the public cleansing work more thoroughly
carried out, or the wants of women with regard to sanitary accommodation
better provided for.
The year under review has been one of considerable activity, and has been
marked by the introduction of several important statutory measures. The
two most notable instances being the Regulations controlling imported food
stuffs made under the Public Health (Regulations as to Food) Act, 1907, and
the compulsory notification of Pulmonary Tuberculosis (Phthisis or
Consumption) by Poor Law Medical Officers.
Other new Statutory Powers that should be mentioned are the "Children
Act," the "Notification of Births Act," the "London County Council (General
Powers) Act, 1908 "[giving the City additional Sanitary powers], and the
"Old Age Pensions Act," the latter being of interest as indicating whether it
will lead to increased longevity amongst aged persons or otherwise. With
the exception of the last, all these measures throw increased responsibilities
upon sanitary authorities and their staffs.
In treating of sanitary legislation, the Bill promoted by the Corporation
this Session will be much welcomed by the citizens and the general public, as