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does not roll as a broad wave from east to west, but leaps from capital to capital, from
town to town, or from village to village, whilst the place of its incidence becomes the centre
of a broadening area of infection. This mode of invasion has been repeatedly observed,
and the uniformity in the plan of attack indicates obedience to certain definite laws. In
the manner of its generation, evolution, and decadence, Influenza exhibits many qualities in
common with the life history of Asiatic Cholera. But there is this point of distinction in
the characteristics of the two diseases: sanitary measures are effective in arresting the
progress of Cholera, whilst the course of Influenza is neither diverted, nor in any measure
affected by the most stringent hygienic precautions."
On the 23rd day of September, 1890, a Special Sanitary Committee of the whole Yestry
was held to consider "The Infectious Diseases (Prevention) Act" of August 4th, 1890,
and "The Housing of the Working Classes Act" of August 18th, 1890. The Clerk
explained, in the form of extracts, the first-named Act, and also the second part and
Sections 56-65 of the third part of the last-mentioned Act, which are the only parts the
Vestry is empowered to deal with. No discussion took place. I have thought it might be
desirable to have a permanent record in the Annual Report of the main features of these
Acts. Another Act—"The Customs and Inland Revenue Act"—is of sufficient importance
to deserve notice. I shall, therefore, under the heading of
THE SANITARY ENACTMENTS OF 1890,
deal briefly with the three just-mentioned laws.
First.—" The Customs and Inland Revenue Act," 1890. The most important—really
the only important section affecting the sanitary department—is No. 26. By it the Medical
*
Officer of Health of a district " on request by the person who would be liable to pay the
house duty on any house in the district occupied for the main purpose of letting furnished
lodgings therein, as a means of livelihood," if the duty—the inhabited house duty—were not
discharged after application to Commissioners, and due proof of certain facts to the satisfaction
of the said Commissioners; he, the Medical Officer of Health, on request, shall
examine the house for the purpose of ascertaining whether a certificate can properly be given,
stating that the house is so constructed as to afford suitable accommodation for each of the