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84. In my Annual Report for 1904 some figures were given
as to the "Public House as a source of Infection," and "Chronic
Tuberculosis in Children." (See page 50 of that Report.)
The managers of licensed houses were all visited and supplied
with one or more notices asking customers not to spit on the
floor. Such notices are generally hung up when supplied, but
soon displaced. It is a pity Publicans do not realize that it is to
their advantage, and to that of their servants, to discourage
spitting on the floor, and to keep the floor cleansed with disinfectants.
85. Disinfection was performed by the Public Health Department
at 1(35 premises, compared with 192, 142, and 169 in the
three preceding years. Of these, 105 were disinfected after the
death of the patient, and 60 after removal to hospital, sanatorium,
or on other opportunity.
86. Sanatorium Treatment. All the Council's seven beds at
the Peppard Sanatorium were kept occupied throughout the year,
except for a few days in the case of one female bed. There were
always more male patients anxious to go than could be accommodated.
The male applicants greatly outnumbered the female.
40 patients were admitted, and 40 discharged. Of those
discharged 22 stayed for one month, 8 for two months, 2 for four
months, 3 for five months, and 5 for six months. None died, and
all but three returned home in improved general health, and
shewing a decided increase in weight. Most shewed very great
improvement, and were able to resume there ordinary duties.
Three, however, were reported to be severe or acute cases which
shewed little or no signs of improvement in the lungs. Several
were kept for a time at the Sanatorium, after ceasing to be
chargeable to the Council. Some of these earned their keep by
performing light duties, and others were supported by a charitable
fund.