DIRTY BANK NOTES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17254, 2 September 1919, Page 8

DIRTY BANK NOTES.

COMPLAINTS BY THE PUBLIC.

QUESTION OF INFECTION.

Complaints are being made frequently regarding the large number of dirty bank notes in circulation, and some interesting comments on the bacteriological aspect and menace of such notes were made by Professor A. P. W. Thomas, who some years ago made an exhaustive examination, converted the results into diagrams, and exhibited them at a public lecture. This bacteria test was first made in France, then in. England, and Professor I nomas introduced it in Auckland. "The result," he said yesterday, 'was the discovery of an extremely varied assortment of germs, but ao far as my observations went, the particular bank note under (Examination held no germs more dangerous to health than the germ of decay which is most likely to attack the teeth. I attributed this to the uncleanly and unpleasant, but unfortunately very common, practice of the moistening of the finger with saliva in counting bank notes. Typhoid germs were also stated to have been found on bank notes, but 1 did not find any. There is no doubt at all, however, out that the bank note is a ready channel for infection, although I'oo not think it has ever been held responsible for any epidemic. At the same time* it stands to reason' that in carrying the germs of any epidemic that may be prevalent it is a menace to the public health."

Professor Thomas mentioned that, to the best of his knowledge, prior to the war there -were no £1 notes issued in England. Scotland had a £1 note, but 'England nothing smaller than £5, Notes for much smaller amounts were issued on the Continent, consequently they became much dirtier, and afforded much more comprehensive scope for bacteriological examination than the English notes. Undoubtedly bank notes had become much dirtier during the war than ever before many of those in circulation in Auckland should be called in, and people insist on receiving cleaner ones. The manager of a leading bank stated that every effort was made to recover the badly-soiled notes, new ones being issued in their stead. i

Discussing the question, the acting-chief health officer, Dr. R. H. - Makgill, stated that there was much doubt as to whether infection could be carried on the surface of bank notes. The germs of a, disease such as influenza died so rapidly outside the body that they constituted no danger if carried about on the surface of bank notes. The germs of certain other diseases, such as blood-poisoning, might be carried on bank notes, but to be a source of danger they would have to come into contact with open wounds. The danger from dirty bank notes was not a very real one from an infective point of view. The question was more psychic than physical, for there was no doubt that a dirty bank note was a repulsive looking thing.