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support to every Sanitary Authority in the County. The
value of sanatoria, however, must not be exaggerated ; doubtless
they are an essential part of any scheme directed against
the scourge of Tuberculosis, but it is true of this disease, as
with others, that prevention is better than cure, and it is by
improving the conditions of life and the dwellings of the
poorer section of the community that we shall achieve most in
our crusade against the disease.
THE SANITARY AUTHORITY AS THE EDUCATION
AUTHORITY.
During the year the District Council became the Education
Authority, and responsible for the conditions under which
many hundreds of children spend a not inconsiderable portion
of their time. An opportunity has. therefore, been afforded
to the Sanitary Authority, not only of ensuring that the
sanitary surroundings of the scholars are as good as they can
be made, but that the whole of school life should be passed
under the most hygienic surroundings. It is, therefore, to be
hoped that the Schools themselves, and the manner in which
they are conducted, will be made to serve as object-lessons,
which will be used to supplement and illustrate the teaching
of the elements of Hygiene which is, in my opinion, an
essential part of education.
In many districts the Medical Officer of Health will,
doubtless, be the Medical Adviser of the Education Com
mittee. He will, therefore, be able to exercise a detailed supervision
which will imply frequent visits—and he will have
the opportunity of bringing many hygienic requirements
directly before the knowledge and consideration of the Education
Authority. There is scope for improvement in the