BY PROFESSOK CEOOKSHANK. 29 



It is an exact science, and the mind is not disturbed by new 

 theories and a variety of opinions. It encourages close obser- 

 vation, requires an accurate memory, and trains the hands in 

 delicate manipulations. In pathology special attention must 

 be g ven to practical training in the use of the microscope for 

 the detection of micro-parasitic diseases. The inspector must 

 also have a thorough practical knowledge of sanitation ap- 

 plied to abattoirs, stock management, and the preparation of 

 meat foods ; and a sound knowledge of the legislation affect- 

 ing meat and dairy inspection, which will enable him to use 

 the powers he possseses under various Acts of Parliament. 

 Legislation must not, however, be regarded as the only means 

 of protection in all matters relating to the public health. The 

 public must be educated and encouraged to volunt irily carry 

 out sanitary measures. I have the greatest confidence in the 

 substratum of common-sense characteristic of the British race. 

 I do not believe in encouraging too much dependence upon 

 State regulations and State control. If I might venture to 

 say so, I think in Queensland too much is expected from the 

 Government. State control can be carried a great deal too 

 far. Legislation may often prove harassing and vexatious, 

 and the very object we have in view may be strangled in a 

 tangled web of red tape. Too much dependence upon State 

 and municipal regulations is not healthy ; it tends to destroy 

 individual enterprise and initiative, and may, in times of em- 

 ergency, produce a panic, by exposing the public to conflicting 

 interests and divided control, and involve a great waste of 

 public money. 



THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION OF 

 CONSUMPTION. 

 Attempts are, however, being made to deal with sanitary 

 reforms by voluntary effort. I refer to the formation of the 

 Queensland Society for the Prevention of Tuberculosis. Its 

 main object is to educate the general public concerning the 

 origin and spread of tuberculosis, and to obtain co-operation 

 with the medical and veterinary professions. I trust that the 

 very influental committee will meet with the support it de- 

 serves, and that this society, which my friend, Mr. Thynne, 

 has so much at heart, will prove a success. Though there may 

 be points of detail in the programme with which all may not 

 agree, yet all should combine to help on a work, which has for 

 its object the cure and prevention of such a terrible disease as 

 consumption. I should like to see the work carried on entirely 



