W, Nicoll 
159 
How far they may spread in this manner is not definitely known, but 
laboratory experiments show that their power and rate of progression 
are by no means small. In the absence of moisture, however, the 
larvae are xmable to leave the faecal matter and they perish as soon 
as it dries up. As a rule this does not take more than a few days or 
weeks, but if, during that period, moisture is supplied in the shape of 
rain or otherwise, many of the larvae are able to continue their develop¬ 
ment and eventually make their escape. 
It is apparent from what has been said that if measures be taken to 
prevent the escape and spread of the larvae then there is no risk of 
infection except by actual handling or contact with the faecal matter. 
The simplest method of effecting this is to have the faeces deposited 
in an impervious receptacle which is kept dry. In the course of time 
the larvae will die off naturally, or they can be destroyed at a convenient 
time and place. 
In North Queensland there is undoubtedly a well-informed public 
opinion on matters affecting the welfare of the community, but it has 
not yet assumed any very stable shape. This is only natural in so 
comparatively young a country. Opinion on matters affecting the 
pubUc health has materialised sufficiently to be embodied in a system 
of laws and regulations which, theoretically, are probably not surpassed 
by those of any other country in the world. The provisions are most 
comprehensively and efficiently framed, but the machinery is lacking 
for their successful execution. This is not altogether to be wondered 
at. The conditions met with throughout the length and breadth of 
Queensland are so numerous and varied and the population in large 
parts is so sparse and scattered that it would seem impossible for the 
present to maintain a staff of officials sufficiently large to deal ex¬ 
haustively with all the difficulties and problems that arise. The 
obstacles are particularly great in cases into which commercial 
considerations enter, and there is little doubt that a disproportionate 
part of the time and energy at the disposal of the Health Department 
has been spent in those matters in which the actual health of the 
community is not seriously endangered. So far as I can judge less 
attention has been devoted to diseases, particularly to those of an 
infectious or communicable nature. In the case of such diseases the 
commercial element occupies a comparatively subsidiary place. The 
prevention of hook-worm disease is a case in point. The provision of 
proper sanitary accommodation and of boots or shoes for the children 
at least during the wet season would not entail a heavy expenditure 
