700 SUPPLEMENTARY APPENDIX. 



We the undersigned desire to express our dissent from the proposal to 

 retain in any form compulsory vaccination. 



We cordially concur in the recommendation that conscientious ob- 

 jection to vaccination should be respected. The objection that mere 

 negligence or unwillingness on the part of parents to take trouble might 

 keep many children from being vaccinated would be largely, if not wholly, 

 removed by the adoption of the Scotch system of ofEering vaccination at 

 the home of the child, and by providing for medical treatment of any 

 untoward results which may arise. 



We therefore think that the modified form of compulsion recommended 

 by our colleagues is unnecessary, and that in practice it could not be 

 carried out. 



The hostility which compulsion has evoked in the past toward the 

 practice of vaccination is fully acknowledged in the Report. In our 

 opinion the retention of compulsion in any form will in the future cause 

 irritation and hostility of the same kind. 



The right- of the parent on grounds of conscience to refuse vaccination 

 for his child being conceded, and the offer of vaccination under improved 

 ■conditions being made at the home of the child, it would in our opinion be 

 best to leave the parent free to accept or reject this offer. 



SAM. WHITBEEAD. 

 JOHN A. BRIGHT. 

 W. J. COLLINS. 

 J. ALLANSON PICTON. 



Xote. — Dr. Collins and Mr. Pictou sign the ahore note of reservation, 

 though theij hair not signed the Report. A statement of their grounds of 

 di.^xentfrom the Report will be found in the form of an Appendix (^65 pages) 

 to the Report. They make the following recommendations : — 



In accordance with the sub-head No. 2 of the reference to the 

 Commission, we would suggest the following as the means other than 

 vaccination which should be employed for protection of a community 

 irom small-pox : — 



1. Prompt notification of any illness suspected to be small-pox. 



Improved instruction in the diagnosis of small-pox. 



2. A hospital, suitably isolated, of adequate accommodation, in per- 



manent readiness, and capable of extension if required. No 

 other disease to be treated at the same time in the same 

 place. 



3. A vigilant sanitary staff ready tc deal promptly with first cases, 



and if necessary to make a house-to-house inspection. The 

 medical officer of health to receive such remuneration as to 

 render him independent of private practice. 



4. Prompt removal to hospital by special ambulance of all cases 



which cannot be properly isolated at home. Telephonic com- 

 munication between Health Office and hospital. 



