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Cremation.—While the practice of cremation appears to be increasing in
favour with the public, the City Crematorium is but slowly making way.
Every attempt has been made to encourage its use, and the fees have
been reduced to as low a figure as possible, viz., 21. 13s. 6d., so
that at the present time Cremation, in addition to being a far more
rational way of disposal of the dead, is actually carried out at a lower
cost than burial.
Investigation into the condition of Tinned Foods.
The examination of Rat Virus sold in the City—(This matter was taken up
in consequence of an outbreak of disease caused by one of these viruses
being used at an wholesale establishment—and the indication of danger
attaching to their use).
The examination of Soda Water showed a large amount of contamination, which
led up to a Conference with the trade, and voluntary registration and compliance with
regulations drawn up by your Medical Officer of Health.
The question of tuberculosis has naturally been the object of much attention. In
1901, a voluntary system of notification was adopted throughout the City with fairly
good results. It is clear that no fixed method to decrease this scourge can be adopted
without some such system of notification. All cases are visited and instructions given
as to the method to be adopted to avoid the possibility of infection. Arrangements
have been made for the removal to Sanatoria, and disinfection systematically carried out.
This voluntary system of inspection has been superseded by the regulations of the
Local Government Board applying to
(1) All cases occurring in Poor Law Institutions and coming under the
notice of Poor Law Medical Officers.
(2) All cases treated as out or in.patients in hospitals.
(3) Cases coming under the notice of Medical Practitioners.
Under the provisions of the Children Act, the London County Council has the
power to call upon Local Authorities to place their baths and disinfecting apparatus at
their disposal for the treatment of verminous children and their clothing in consideration
of a fixed charge. The Corporation has deemed it advisable to carry out this work
gratuitously and to confine it to children* residing in the City, in order that the homes of
the children can be visited simultaneously with the cleansing. It is clear that the
cleansing of the person can be of no real lasting value unless accompanied by the
amelioration of the sanitary surroundings of the child.
From this brief summary it will be seen that much sanitary work has been carried
out, but much remains to be done.
In many directions important work demands attention, most of which can be
carried out without further legislative authority.
In conclusion, I take this opportunity of recording my gratitude to the staff, clerical
and inspectorial, who have loyally and zealously supported me during my term of
service, and for the result of whose work, I, as their chief, have naturally received the
credit.
I trust to leave this important office in better hands, and that the prestige of the
Corporation as the Sanitary Authority of the chief city of the Empire will remain as
an example to all others.