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55
As pointed out last year, it is a curious fact that the
figures for this disease are fairly constant from year to year
and do not show the improvement which is the hope of everyone.
Of the 45 deaths which occurred, 41 of the victims had
previously been notified under the Tuberculosis Regulations and
satisfactory explanations were forthcoming with regard to the
remaining cases.
No action was necessary or taken by this Authority under
the Public Health (Tuberculosis) Regulations, 1925, or under
Section 62 of the Public Health Act, 1925.
3. (a) Disinfection and Disinfestation.
The method of disinfection employed in previous years,
viz., formalin spraying and fumigation with formaldehyde gas,
was again employed, the stoving of bedding, etc., being only
undertaken after Tuberculosis and special cases. Particulars
of this work will be found set out in the tables on the sanitary
work on page 35.
During the past year very considerable trouble has been
experienced and expense incurred in dealing with verminous
premises. Unfortunately there appears to be a certain class of
person who seem to think that vermin in their houses is not
their responsibility, and who seem to ignore the presence of
vermin until the premises are badly affected before seeking
assistance. In some cases they only complain in order to secure
the re-decoration of their rooms.
Education in this direction is badly needed and also the
fact should be brought home to such people that cleanliness
with the free use of soap and water is the best means of
combating the pest.
No form of cyanide treatment has been adopted by the
Council, but experiments have been made with the use of a gas
non-toxic to human beings, though only with partial success.
Particulars of premises treated for vermin will appear in
the table set out in Section C, page 35.