222 Transactions. — Miscellaneous. 



this paper. Let us now consider what we in the colonies are 

 doing in the matter of checking the evil, and so take up our 

 subject proper. I will begin by first stating how things stand 

 with us in New Zealand, and then compare the other colonies. 



During the last two decennial periods there has been on 

 the whole a steady decline in the death-rate from phthisis in 

 New Zealand. In 1900 the figure for phthisis stood at 756 

 per 10,000 living, and for all forms of tuberculosis 9 - 85. The 

 deaths from tuberculosis represented as a percentage of total 

 deaths equalled 10 - 44 in 1900. Practically throughout the 

 last decennial period phthisis heads the list of all causes of 

 death. The New Zealand Year- book contains the follow- 

 ing paragraph re phthisis: "In all the Australian Colonies 

 the rate is materially increased by the deaths of persons who 

 have come out either already suffering from phthisis or pre- 

 disposed thereto. There is no reason for believing that this 

 circumstance has more effect on the death-rate in Australia 

 than in New Zealand ; so that the lower rate referred to in 

 previous issues of this work as obtaining in this colony may 

 be taken as proof of its superior climate for withstanding con- 

 sumptive tendencies." 



The Health Department here has issued circulars and 

 handbills, also large-type placards, on tuberculosis, which 

 latter are posted up in public places, and the former widely 

 distributed. The language used is plain and free from any 

 technicality, and points out that tuberculosis is an infectious 

 disease, exhorts people not to spit in public places, explains 

 the necessity for disinfection of infected rooms, &c, and how 

 consumptives should deal with their sputum in order to 

 minimise the risks of infection of others. 



Our Public Health Act of 1900 is a very up-to-date Act, 

 and provides for the notification of infectious diseases (in 

 which are included all forms of tuberculosis). The occupier 

 of the house, as well as the medical attendant, has to notify 

 every case of tuberculosis. When the disease has been noti- 

 fied the Act provides for disinfection of infected premises. 

 A penalty is provided for selling infected things, or letting 

 houses or rooms where an infected person is lodging. The 

 Act also deals with the question of overcrowding. " The 

 Factories Act, 1901," deals with the notification of persons 

 suffering from tuberculosis if engaged in the handling, &c, 

 of any article for human consumption. It deals also with 

 persons working up goods or materials in infected dwelling- 

 houses. Our local bodies have power to make by-laws against 

 spitting in public places ; Wellington and Christchurch have 

 recently made such by-laws, Auckland and Wanganui are 

 moving in the same direction, and doubtless many other 

 places will follow a similar course. The railway authorities 



