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Prevention by the State. — Although the individual may 

 do much to prevent consumption, the results of our efforts 

 depend very largely upon the sanitary conditions of our 

 neighbours. It is, therefore, the duty of the State to see that 

 no one is allowed to suffer from disregard of hygienic rules 

 of those around him. 



I have already pointed to the danger of dampness of soil, 

 and what effect the laying of sewers and consequent draining 

 of the subsoil water had upon the mortality of phthisis. It 

 should be made absolutely compulsory to drain before a permit 

 is given by any Health Board to build a dwelling. 



The dwelling itself should receive the greatest attention. 

 Although it may be too late to get existing houses remedied, 

 precautions ought to be taken to prevent all new houses 

 being constructed the plans of which are not first approved 

 of by the Board of Health, who should see that all pre- 

 cautions are taken against dampness, that sufficient sunlight 

 and ventilation are provided for by means of window space, 

 height of ceilings, etc. 



Dr. Ransome has shown in his paper on " Tubercular 

 Infective Areas " in certain streets and courts, consisting of 

 back to back houses, unfurnished with thorough ventilation, 

 tubercular disease was much more common than in other parts 

 of the town. 



Overcrowding of houses, without proper space between, the 

 regulating of the height of houses as well as the widths of 

 streets, are matters which must be attended to by the public 

 health bodies of the State. We want not only a plentiful 

 supply of air, but also a pure supply ; cleanliness then must 

 be insisted upon, everything that pollutes the atmosphere 

 must be removed. 



Overcrowding of inmates in our lodging houses, our shops, 

 workrooms, or factories must be prevented. There is 

 nothing so inimical to the life of bacteria as sunlight, and no 

 disinfectant so cheap. There should therefore be plenty of 

 sunlight and good ventilation.. Every workroom ought to be 

 licensed to hold a certain number of workers, the number 

 being determined by the space as well as by the means of 

 ventilation. Under the Women and Children Employment 

 Act we have power of inspection, but no provision is made to 

 fix a minimum amount of cubic space for each person. 



Such, then, are a few matters that might well be attended 

 to with good effect. While the health authorities may do 

 much, the individual must assist if we would overco^ie this 

 deadly enemy. 



