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87
national as well as the local importance of public
health work in general.
(d) To consider the different conditions and circumstances
general or local, whereby disease is liable to be
caused to man, and, as far as may be, to obtain their
removal.
Subscriptions were fixed according to population, that for
Woolwich being £3 3s. 0d. The Health Committee resolved
not to incur this expense and the connection of the Borough
Council with the Union has accordingly ceased.
Child-Birth and Industrial employment.
57. In May, 1907, His Majesty's Home Secretary invited
my co-operation in obtaining information as to the connection
between infant mortality and industrial employment, and you
agreed that all the necessary facilities should be afforded in the
matter. Miss FitzGerald is obtaining, in the course of her
other duties, information on this question in River Ward (See
also Annual Report, 1907).
Russian Baths.
58. I presented the following report in May:—
"The Borough Council has provided, at the Plumstead
Baths, a vapour bath known by the name of "Russian." In
this bath bathers are exposed to a high temperature in moist
air. The bath is prepared for them but the attendant then goes
away and can only be summoned by a bell. No printed
directions or advice are supplied, and bathers are at liberty to
stay in the bath as long as they like. The bath may be used
for cleansing but is probably most often used for healing
purposes. It exerts a depressing effect on the action of the