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20
the producer), in fact, cows so kept, being more or less artifically
treated, are in consequence not in such a healthy condition as they
should be, and it can surprise no one that under such unfavourable
hygienic conditions tubercle is prevalent; the fact that nearly one-tenth
of the total deaths (as was the case this year in the Hornsey District)
are attributed to diseases owing their origin to the presence of the
tubercle bacillus, must be my excuse for entering somewhat in detail
into the matter.
In connection with the danger to the community, arising from the
germs of sputa, expectorated by tuberculous patients in various public
places, such as railway carriages, omnibuses, tramway cars and public
thoroughfares (the said sputa being liable to become dried and converted
into dust), I notice that in America, where this disgusting habit is said
to be very prevalent, that the Woman's Health Protective Association
has been joined by the Health Board of New York, in endeavouring to
put a stop to the practice by placing conspicuously posted notices inviting
passengers to refrain from spitting, for the two-fold reason of decency
and health, and that this example has been followed in Italy. That
this habit of expectorating, is both disgusting and likely to cause danger
to others, cannot be denied, but I think that it is done thoughtlessly,
and the danger of it only requires to b,e pointed out for public opinion,
to see that the nuisance is abated. I understand that in a few instances
at least, these notices are posted in some of the tramway cars in London,
and it is much to be desired that the plan should become general.
I am again able by the courtesy of the Council's Engineer and
Surveyor to supply the following details as to the matters more particularly
under his charge.
Disposal of House Refuse.—The cremation of the whole of
the house refuse of the District in Destructor Furnaces, at the Sanitary
Depot at Hornsey, has been again carried out throughout the year in
a highly satisfactory manner and without causing the slightest nuisance
or objection of any kind.