The Evening Star WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1902.

Evening Star, Issue 11673, 3 September 1902, Page 4

The Evening Star WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1902.

The latest annual report of the Chief Health Officer of the Colony An Object contains four photographic Lesson. illustrations of painful, not to say horrible, interest. An ordinary reader, unaccustomed to the worst pathological spectacles, can hardly look at these pictures without a fear of being subsequently haunted by the memory of them i and yet their effect would be no less salutary than sickening if they could be brought under the notice of all mothers of snvaccinated children in Now Zealand. Vaccination, as most people are aware, not merely protects people, in the vast majority of cases, from the contagion of -vma.il]>ox; it also has am influence of incalculable vadue upon the progress of the disease in those occasional instances where the full protection has not been successfully exer.ised. A vaccinated person Is far less likely to be attacked by smallpox than one who has not been vaccinated, but if he dees succumb to the contagion he is almost certain to be spared the most loathsome md perilous circumstances of the disease. The attack is usually a mild one, and the prospects of recovery are favorable. fQje i;hotogi3go3-mAho,PBWjc Health report

designed to illustrate this sjiecial point in the vaccination question, and there can be no doubt as to the gruesome effectiveness of Hie method. First, wo are shown a case of smallpox as modified by vaccination.” The. face—that of a young girl—is marked by a number of small spots, but the appearance remains fresh, comely, and untroubled. Just .below is to be found a case of “ smallpox in _an unvaccinated chilli." Such epithets as " unsightly,” hideous,’ '■pitiable," or even "loalhserns are quire inadequate to express—no words can express—-the unspeakable horror of t his countenance—which, however, is still outdone in ropulsivencss by another on the next page. The. difference between a slight eruption and a mummified and unrecognisable mass of fon! pustules—that is the difference. the characteristic difference, between the- two cases. And that will be the difference (Xcw Zealand parents should understand) between vaccinated and unvaccinated cases of smallpox here as elsewhere, if nn epidemic ever breaks out in this Colony. This, too, :s only the secondary value of vaccination, so to sqieak ; its primary and chief value consists in its absolute, preventive influence.

Some people (not entirely without medical support) protest that there is no danger whatever of an outbreak of smallpox in Now Zealand. “Me are not anti-vaccina-tionists.” they say. “but vaccination is an unnecessary precaution here, where we have no dirty slums, wlulc we have vari- “ ona protective barriers.” What says the Chief Health Officer?—“ The presence of smallpox in London, Belfast, Glasgow, and “other places with which ofii ships are “ix constant COMMUNICATION is a matter for the most serious consideration. The non-observance for the last few rears of va ccinatiou in this Colony is a condition of things which must cause everyone interested in public health the deepest regret. Roughly speaking, only some 25 per cent, of our child population are protected against smallpox. As compared ‘with a case of plague, the danger which would arise from the introduction of a ‘ case of smallpox into this country is so great as to be almost inconceivable.” Dr Mason admits that there are protective barriers which make for safety, but the possibility oi loop-holes cannot be provided against, and no light-hearted optimism should bo allowed to blind our eyes to the existence of danger. The Chief Health Officer is of opinion that the great majority of those who support the banner of Anti-vaccination are gathered under that flag “in virtue of their ignorance,” and doubtless he is right; hut, as we have said b-.-fore. it is not the so-called “conscientious objectors, but: the crowd of lazy and negligent parents, who form the chief obstacle to the proper observance of the law. It cannot be too widely known that the i.se and adequate supply of pure calf lymph are insisted upon nowadays; so that ■ ikto ,s no longer any excuse for “the logi- “ cal fallacy of arguing from, a particular to ”a- general,” illustrated by the refusal of parents to protect their children against sn allpox owing to some supposed experience oj injuries as a result of vaccination. Dr Mason, while regarding the concession of the “ conscience clause ” as a mistake, does not think it advisable to withdraw the privilege of exemption without a further trial of the working of the present law. He believes that public opinion is gradually being educated, and is even confident enough to look forward to a time when an nnvaccinated child will be as rave as the dodo. Meanwhile there is the hard fact that 75 per cent, of the children of to-day are unvaccinated. The doctor is doubtless xignt that the persuasive influence of sanitary education is likely to be more effective than the enforcement of the law at the point of the bayonet; but- people who do not boast “conscientious” objections ought at least to be obliged to obey the provisions of the Act. And even as regards the “ conscientious ” and exempted person, Dr Mason strongly advises that Parliament should empower the Govemor-in-Council to refuse exemptions “ in any area which in the “ opinion of the Health Officer is more than “ usually open to the introduction of smallpox. ’ A Bill now before Parliament makes provision for this state of matters, and we trust that the advocates of a false and dangerous “ freedom ” will not succeed in preventing its passage. Mr C. C. Graham, S.M., sat at the Police Court ibis morning, when Robert Green wan fined 40s for being drunk, in default fourteen days’ imprisonment, and on a charge of deliberately putting his hand through the window in tire shop of John Hopkins he was sent to gaol lor seven days. Two first offenders were convicted of drunkenness and fined ss, or twenty-four hours. home residents of the Lower Kaikorai have been alarmed hy explosions of firearms in the neighborhood! Two shots fired last evening were in such close proximity to two residents that the “whistle” of the bullets as they passed overhead were distinctly heard. The identity of this alarming neighbor is said to be known, and unless the annoyance ceases police interference will probably be called for.

The monthly meeting of the George street School Committee last evening was attended by Messrs Adams (chairman), Barnes, Duncan, Farm, Hutchison, Maitland, and Mollison. The acting head-master reported that the number of pupils on the roll was 714. and the average attendance 641. The Education Board intimated that the sum of £54 15s, being their contribution towards the cost of erecting the shelter sheds, had ' been paid to the Committee’s credit, and i also that the amount apportioned to the Committee out of the swimming grant balance was £4 12s Id. An application from the Ex-High School Girls’ Club for the use of portion of the school ground for lawn tennis purpose* was granted. The Otago Bowing Club’s carnival continues to attract large audiences, the Agricultural Hall last evening being packed Ir> the doors. The dancing was again the feature of the show, the movements of the fairies being; particularly graceful. The poppy and daffodil dances were also much appreciated. The stalls and numerous side shows all did ( capital business throughout the evening. a performance will he given on Saturday afternoon, when school children will be admitted at half-price. A resident of Momington fell into a ditch some little time ago, and got damaged in body and feelings. The contractor who left the ditch was prosecuted, and fined Is and costs for leaving the place unlighted. Now the injured man is contemplating action against, the Momington Council °for the sum of £25. The Council understood that the damages consisted of a broken tooth and one loosened, aud therefore that the sum demanded was rather excessive. They frWMKise offecinst a smaller sum.

The present programme at the Alhambra Theatre continues to attract large audiences. The entertainment is bright, witty, and full of life, and well worth a visit. The same bill will be repeated this evening. A letter was received by the Mornington Council last evening frotn Dr Ogston, Public Health Officer, asking what the Council were prepared to do in the way of providing a public morgue and an epidemic hospital. The doctor pointed out that section 42 of the Public Health Act, 1900, required that each borough should have a morgue and mortnary erected, and it was for the Conncil to consider whether they would join with the City Council in building a common morgao at the Southern Cemetery. Cr Wills said he could not see the necessity for a morgue. Cr Anderson thought they should join in the movement, and contribute on, a population basis. The Mayor (Mr Gow) did not think that Dr Ogston should pull the chestnuts out of the fire for the City Conncil. Eventually the matter was referred to the General Committee for report.

At the meeting of creditors held yesterday in the estate of Archibald Shaw, of Dunedin, contractor. Messrs Scott and Haddock were appointed supervisors to investigate matters in conection with the bankruptcy. Messrs Mondy. Sim, and Stephens were retained as the creditors’ solicitors.

We hear that there is every probability of satisfactory arrangements ' being made with Mr Watson to carry on the boarding establishment in connection with the Bovs' High School next year.

The ’Frisco mail arrived at Wellington at 11 a.in. to-day, and the Southern portion will come on by the Rotomahana, leaving at 6 p.m. Tlie month!;/ meeting of the Cavcrsham School Committee was held on Monday evening, the following being present: Messrs Glendining (chairman), Rutherford, Caldow, Stevenson, Kendel. Able, Dempster, Kenfree, and Searle. The head-master reported that the number on the register at the beginning of the month was: Boys 284, girls 241; total, 525. At the close of the month: Boys 281, girls 244; total. 525. Average attendance for four weeks. 476, 469.5, 484.9, and 487.5: percentage for the four weeks, 92.25. 90.69, 95.07, 92.82. The banner for attendance was gained first week by Standard VL, percentage 99.15; second week. Standard IV., 97.12; third week, Standard IV., 97.85; fourth week. Standard TIL, 98.41. The Education Board had painters and carpenters doing general repairs about the school buildings. The clerk was instructed to write to the Board asking for a new coal shed, the present one being practically useless. The sub-committee appointed for the purpose reported that there were over fortyeight boys in the school eligible for the proposed cadet corps, and that they bad now under consideration the raising of funds for the purpose of providing the necessary uniforms. The Visiting Committee rcported that they were pleased with the attention and discipline shown by the various classes.

At the inquest- on the body of the stillborn child found in Mac-andrew Bay, held this afternoon, a verdict of " Found drowned ” was returned.

In confirmation of what Mr J. J. Ramsay has written to us respecting the starve treatment of returned troopers, we may say that we were this morning waited on bv Trooper William Wisden (No. 5,980). of the Eighth Contingent, who came back early in August by the transport Britannic. On reaching Dunedin he reported himself nt the Militia Office, where he filled up a certain form that was handed to him, and he was duly told to go to the Dunedin Hospital for treatment. Though Wisden was suffering from bronchitis of a severe type, and had been told so bv n local medico, he asseverates most distinctly and emphatically that he was told at the Wpital that there was really nothing the matter with him. and that dozens of cases like his were brought to the institution. This was told both to Wisden and his mother, and they not unnaturally feel that the young fellow had been practically accused of malingering. Though ho was last week so had with his complaint that he could scarcely speak, he was not able to gain admission to the hospital, and returned to his home, where he is under medical treatment now, but not at the cost of the Defence Department. Messrs Arnhd, Miller and Co., grocers, advertise in this issue “New Cash System.” Hoad advertisement on page s.—[Advt.] Gresham and Boot, dentists, 63 Prince* street (opposite Bible. Tract Depot) —[Advt.] Great extension sale now on. Bargains in crockery, lamps, and household ironmongery, At, Ritchie’s. George street [Advt.] B A public meeting will bo held in the Hall, Green Island, to-morrow evening, at eight o’clock, to take steps to welcome returned and returning troopers. Public meeting at Roslyn on Friday re drainage. The annual meriting of the Dunedin and Suburban Carters’ Union of Workers will be held in the Trades Hall on Friday, at 8 p.m. An economy that is advisable; Buy one of the cycles on the list in our window. Anglo Cycle Co.. 6 Princes street.~rAdrt.T The Trustees of the Wellington Hospital require the services of an assistant resident medical officer, at a salary of £l5O per annum. Hitherto Dr Ewart has done without an Assistant, out the work has been steadily increasing, and the Trustees consider the lime has now arrived, when an assistant should bo appointed. Particulars appear elsewhere. Photograph* of children are mane a specialty by Mr Morris, photographer. Princes street. Charges, 21s per dozen.—TAdvt ] The Telegraph Department advises that Melbourne reports that Thursday, the 4th, will be observed as a holiday, but that the State Telegraph Office will be open from 8 a.m* to noon, and with the exception of those offices which close ordinarily at 6 p.m. will reopen from 5 to 8 p.m.

For the Highland Rifles’ ball, Friday next, Mr Hendy is now booking hairdressing ap! pointmente, and ladies should book times early.—[Advt.] The Anita Moss Saturday afternoon chamber concerts commence on Saturday afternoon.

To keep a bath fresh and inviting it should be painted with Pyramid Bath Enamel. To be had from painters, Ironmongers, etc., or Smith and Smith, Dunedin.—[Advt.] Everyone interested in artistic house decorations should inspect the metal ceilings and wall coverings at Briscoe’s.—fAdvt.]