The Suppression of Consumption.

Manawatu Herald, 6 August 1904, Page 3

The Suppression of Consumption.

A very large question has been opened (savs the Evening Post, W ellington) in the recommendations of the sub-committee of the Wellington ! Medical Association in regard to the suppression of consumption, as embodied in the report prepared at the Wequest of the Mayor of this city. 1 lie first section contains three suggestions in regard to treatment; “ That the Wellington Hospital Trustees ho invited to provide twenty beds at the Home for Chronic Diseases for the reception and treatment of the hopeless cases ; to erect at Olaki accommodation sufficient for the open-air treatment of ten hopeiul cases ; and to allow all patients who arc able to follow ' their usual occupations the use ol the Berhanipore Hospital.” 1 he third provision is to meet those cases where ...a. consumptive is a source of daugei to his family or fellow-lodgers, and the experience of Dr. Newsholme, of Brighton, is quoted in support ot the suggestion. Secondly, the council is urged to compel strict enforcement of the bv-law prohibiting spitting m public places; and the third section sets forth that in view of overcrowding in the city, the council might do well to consider the larger question as to the erection of houses for the working

classes. I'he report has been rc- , il'i rcd to the Hospital Board and the • Benevolent Trustees lor consideration, j Tnc three-fold suggestion as to treat- J incut is in accord with the Latest con- 1 elusions of science, and as the Modi- ! cal Association is working in harmony ■ with the Health Department, it is probable Hint the question before the local bodies will practically resolve itself into one of ways and moans. Possible the Treasury will find that grave financial difficulties arc in the way ; but certain ambitious Government schemes —the costly " High Commissionership,'’ and a royal reception to Lord Roberts, for example—might with advantage give place to a matter which is of far greater moment. Upon the. necessity ot enforcing ; the anti-expectoration by-law all . will agree; but as to the last suggestion there in likely to be a (litter- | tince of Opinion. The question of housing is so large, and the responsibilities involved—financial and otherwise—so serious, that the corporation, which has its hands quite full at present, may well hesitate to attempt to give it effect.