ENEMY OF DISEASE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19959, 30 May 1928, Page 13

ENEMY OF DISEASE.

GREAT VALUE OF SUNLIGHT. OPEN-AIR SCHOOLS URGED. BETTER HEALTH OF CHILDREN. "If we would face the problem and be prepared to meet the expense and difficulties involved, we could almost entirely do away with many infectious diseases," said Dr. Bevan Brown, acting-director of the pathological department at the Auckland Hospital, in an address in the university hall la§t evening, on "Bacteria in Relation to Disease." The lecture was in connection with the efforts being made by the Auckland Hospital Auxiliary to stimulate public interest in the work at the hospital and in the science of medicine. "Technical methods are necessary in some instances, but common sense will do wonders," said Dr. Bevan Brown. "If all housing was good, food sufficient and of good quality; if everyone had an abundance of fresh air and sunlight; if, in fact, proper hygienic measures generally were the rule, infectious diseases would be tremendously reduced. So far, we have done much, but as a people we are unwilling to go further." In Christchurch, and possibly in other parts of the Dominion, there was a strong movement' in favour of open-air schools. He did not know much about the Auckland schools, but he knew the conditions of many of the southern ones, .and generally speaking their ventilation was shocking. He felt there was a great satisfaction in New Zealand in putting up big, ugly buildings with foundation stones containing numerous names. The light, wooden buildings of an open-air school were not inspiring, but they provided healthy conditions for children, and the number of colds and other illnesses was lessened. In a country like New Zealand, which was blessed with abundant sunshine, it seemed to be criminal to children in foul, stuffy classrooms, often overcrowded. Dr. Bevan Brown referred to the milk problem, stating if people wanted clean milk they must expect to pay a little more for it. In many cases in Auckland, for instance, milk was pasturised, but in many cases it was not. "These are just a few aspects of preventive medicine," added the doctor. "One day people will realise its importance, but apparently we must wait for a while."

Dealing with bacteria, Dr. Bevan Brown said they were everywhere, and it followed that people inhaled them and they penetrated every cut, and so on. Direct sunlight destroyed bacteria very rapidly and in many ways was one of the most potent, disinfectants. In many houses, however, sunlight was excluded to save the carpets.