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82
rious to the health of the children. But if the children
are allowed to go into the street, why should they not
also go to the parks and open spaces? Surely it would
be better for them to be playing on Plumstead or Woolwich
Common than in the street.
There is some reason for suggesting that they should be
excluded from gymnasiums, since in these places children
often congregate more closely, and come into closer
contact with each other than they do in either the
streets, or the parks, or open spaces. I consider, however,
that even apart from the absence of any legal
power. it would be very difficult to carry out any
system by which the children could be excluded from
all open spaces, and I very much doubt that any
material benefit would be derived from the attempt.
Every year it is better recognized that the infection of
Measles, Whooping Cough, Scarlet Fever, and Diphtheria
is spread by mild undetected, and unsuspected
cases of the disease. These cannot be dealt with by
any wholesale measure of isolation or quarantine. They
can only be dealt with by careful inspection directed to
their detection."
Notices and Prosecutions under Public Health (London)
Act, 1901.
50. 3,804 written intimation notices were served and 687
statutory notices; 111 of the latter not having been complied
with in the time specified, were referred to the Town Clerk. who,
before taking proceedings, wrote a warning letter in each case.
Finally, 24 defaulters were summoned at the Police-court, and
convictions obtained in every case but one. Fines amounting to
£23 8s. were inflicted and £10 3s. costs. One case was withdrawn
owing to the work being done.