View report page

7
Disinfection of Sewers and Gullies.
In the month of July a large number of Sewers were flushed
in localities where deposits were suspected or known to exist ;
and 148 gullies from whence offensive smells arise, were disinfected
with carbolic acid.
Removal of Manure.
The removal of manure from the mewses is insisted upon
every other day (and authority has been given to remove it daily
on sanitary grounds where desirable). Notices posted to this
effect have been generally well attended to.
APPENDIX.
Government and the Health Laws.
On the 22nd of May, a Deputation from the British Medical
Association and the Social Science Association, waited upon the
Duke of Marlborough, the Earl of Devon and the Right Hon.
Gathorne Hardy, at the Privy Council Office, presenting a
Memorial, asking for a Royal Commission having power to visit
or to send Sub-Commissioners to visit the large towns and other
districts of the country, and to obtain information and evidence,
and to report thereon, to promote a better administration of the
laws relating to registration, and to Medico-legal enquiry, and to
the improvement of the Public Health. Dr. Ackland of Oxford,
Mr. E. Chadwick, C.B., Mr.W. H. Michel, Dr. Symonds of Bristol,
Dr. Rumsey of Cheltenham, Dr. Sibson and Dr. Stewart of London,
addressed the Duke of Marlborough on the subject, who acknowledged
the present unsatisfactory state of matters, and assured
the present Deputation that the Government would give attention
to the subject, and that a reorganization of the office for regulating
Medico-sanitary affairs was under their consideration. The
following are the objects proposed for inquiry :—
1. The manner in which the cases and causes of sickness and of death
are and should be inquired into and recorded in the United Kingdom.
2. The manner in which the coroner's inquests and other medico-legal
inquiries are and ought to be conducted, particularly in regard to the methods
of taking scientific evidence. 3. The operation and administration of sanitary
laws, with special reference to the manner in which scientific and medical advice
and aid in the prevention of desease are and should be afforded ; and also with
special reference to the extent of the areas or districts most convenient for
sanitary and medico-legal purposes. 4. The sanitary organisation, existing
and required, including a complete account of the several authorities and
officers. The education, selection, qualification, duties, powers, tenure, and
remuneration of the said officers to be specially reported on. 5. The revision
and consolidation of the sanitary laws, having special reference to the increase
of the efficiency of their administration, both central and local.