TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1896.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10597, 18 February 1896, Page 4

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1896.

DtrraifG the discussion on tuberculosis at the Intercolonial Medical Congress Dr Spurs othoepe, of Melbourne, spoke of the " cruelty of dumping down upon these shores advanced and often friendless cases of phthisis, and the unsuitability of the coastal regions for phthisis in any stage whatever." As our to-day's issue will be circulated in the Home country, we cannot do better than give a prominent place to Dr Sh&htgthoepb's remarks, ■which were received •with loud applause and emphasised by -. wbsea&ent BE.eak.erß.

It is true that Dr Mui.hoi.land, of Melbourne, combated the idea that medical men at Home were in the habit of sending phthisical cases to the* colonies, but Dr MirBEAT-AYNSLEY said, " case after case of this kind had "come before him, and he found that the patients -were sent out by medical men." Dr Tayloe Young, of Grafton, expressed the opinion that the colonial Legislatures should take steps to prevent the introduction of consumptives, and certainly the public and the authorities cannot be too vide awake in regard to the dangers mentioned by the various speakers at the congress. The idea of the infectiousness of phthisis has«not been grasped by the public as a whole. We find a New South Wales .practitioner declaring (as a result of his own observation) that the shipping companies indiscriminately class together in close cabins dying consumptive and healthy young people. Such a state of matters ought to be impossible. It cannot be too widely known that the infectiousness of the sputum of consumptive patients —to take a single instance —is beyond question, and it will be remembered that we quoted some practical remarks of Dr Spkingthohpe's on the subject a few days ago. Our quotation was taken from the masterly paper on " The Battle of Life," and we now purpose to draw the attention of our readers to a passage from the same practitioner's speech on ' tuberculosis. Many persons will have read the whole discussion, but for the benefit of those who have not done so we think it best- to emphasise a few practical points, in the hope that increased publicity may chance to do good here or there. "It lies," said Dr Springthobpe, "in my opinion, at the door of our profession to do infinitely more than is at present attempted. It is almost incredible— yet some years' continued inquiry have conclusively proved it to me—that scarcely a percentage of medical men give any instructions worthy the nftme for the destruction or disinfection of the sputum, and, atill less, make any inquiry into the condition of the dairy from which the milk of their sick children is obtained, or direct that the unknown milk should be scalded before use. Who, again, pay attention to the killing of the bacilli that must have collected in rooms and dwellings frequented by expectorating consumptives? And yet, in the absence of these essential precautions, we claim to be treating the case! \ And, worse still, we permit of others—relatives, friends, and strangers —running known risks of infection without word of warning or advice, with the frequent and unnecessary result of extension of infection to those who were previously free therefrom. Can we wonder that tubercular disease is so rife?" It is noteworthy that Dr Spbingthobpe has a salutary habit of reminding his brethren (and doubtless himself) that they are not perfect; and really we must say that the above indictment is no trifling one. It was one of the uses of these congresses, observed a doctor in the course of the discussion, that participating members of the faculty were enabled to recognise their mistakes, and we may be allowed to express a hope that it will not be possible in 1599 for Dr Speingthorbe or any one else to declare that doctors commonly claim to be treating cases of tuberculosis while they are neglecting the most essential precautions against the spread of the disease. And we also hope that when Dr Taylor Young next visits New Zealand it will not be possible for him to reiterate his charge against the management of the shipping companies that they permit dying consumptives—or, indeed consumptives in any stage of the disease—to be associated in the same cabins with healthy persons.

We shall not dwell upon the strictly scientific portion of the discussion on tuberculosis. The disquisitions oi Professor Watson and Dr Speingthorpe contain much interesting matter in regard to the new discoveries, the diagnostic and curative uses of tuberculin, and the history oB typical or special cases; but we shall confine ourselves to those aspects of the matter in which the community as a ■whole has a more direct participation. The congress had very properly invited the attendance and assistance of •a number of veterinary surgeons, and interesting contributions were made •by Mr Park, of Wellington, and Mr Cameeon, our new inspector. Thanks to what has been said and written during the last year or two, the people of Dunedin are, at all events to some extent, alive to the undesirability of eating diseased meat and drinking diseased milk. Dr Spbikgthoepb had dwelt upon the necessity of veterinary inspection of dairies and dairy cattle and meat supply, and Mr Cameron showed that he had not been idle since he came to Dunedin. It is satisfactory to hear, that he is keeping a register of the condition of all the dairies and dairy cattle, with notes on the health of the cattle, and he invites the medical men of Dunedin to take- advantage of the City Council's permission to inspect this register in connection with any cases in -which there may be a suspicion of diseased milk. He observed that 45 per cent, of cases of tuberculosis of the intestines were in children under five years of age —a fact which is certainly prima facie evidence against impure milk as a cause. Dr Wilton Love, of Brisbane, pointed out that Canada and America were far ahead of Australasia in regard to supervision of the meat and milk supply, while in Germany the authorities had, as most of them knew, instituted the tuberculin test, and this had been supplemented by the important addition of a vote of .£IO,OOO from the Government funds for the compensation of the owners whose cattle were destroyed. The Central Board of Health in Sydney had instituted an examination on similar lines, and, he understood, paid 30s a head for every beast -which was condemned as tuberculous. He certainly thought that if the Governments of the various colonies could be brought to recognise the immense amount of good which could be done by preventing the disease, both by the abattoir system, by efficient inspection of the meat supply, and by the supervision of dairies, the death rate from phthisis would in a few years be less than it was. Unfortunately this is just what a large number of people cannot be brought to realise —though, as we have said, it is more generally understood in Dunedin than it used to be.

We- are glad to say that the death rate" from phthisis in New Zealand is low in comparison with most other countries. While in . Victoria and

Queensland the rate is respectively 12] and 14 per 10,000, and in England, and I Wales over 20 per 10,000, in New Zealand it is only from 8 to 9. Moreover, a comparison of the rates of mortality for the three last quinquennial periods shows a decrease for both sexes. So far, so good, and there is no occasion (as was said at the con- j gress). for pessimism. "He was one of those," said Dr Speengthorpe, " who be lieved that more people recovered from tubercle diseases than ever died from them." Still the doctor promptly added that " tuberculosis was the biggest disease the profession had to cope with," and our comparatively low death rate must not bo allowed to serve as an excuse for apathy. Medical science may be trusted to do its part, but it must be aided by a sound public opinion in reference to all matters of sanitation. I Ignorance, big with diseases and dangers manifold, must be fought persistently," sagaciously, and manfully ; and not the least reward of true soldiers in this warfare will be to be called blessed by those who come afterwards. !

The express trains from both north and south were late in arriving last evening on account of the heavy passenger traffic. A Bitting of the Supreme Coutt, in Chambers, will ba held to-day, when, iflter alia, the motion for the appointment of permanent liquidators for the Colonial Bank will he dealt with. The motion ia to be contested, and a number of affidavits respecting ib have been filed. There was a short Bitting of the Police Coutt yesterday beforo Mr M. Cohen, J.P. Two offenders (one of whom had not been before the court for six years) were convicted of drunkenness and discharged. The following votings by school committees for the Education Board election are to hand: - Blackstone, Messrs Green, Mackenzie, and Ramsay; Hyde, Messrs Ramsay, Gallaway, and Mackenzie; Hatakanui, Messrs Green, Mackenzie, and Gallawny ; Papakaio, . Messrs Gallaway, Ramsay, and A. Thomson, Mr Paulina forecast at 9 o'clock last evening was as follows:—"Light to moderate N.E. to N.W. winds and fine for about 24 honrs; barometer fall." At a meeting of the committee of the Danedin Jockey Clnb last evening, it was decided not to admit any person to the course at tbe Autumn meeting known to lay totalisator odds, and any ouch persons gainirjg admittance will be treated- as trespassers. Determined to be in the field in time, Mr T. E. Taylor has announced' that cc will bs a candidate for Christchurch at the general election. The owners of the Opu&tia Block, near Waiuku, the Ngatitipa tribe, have come to an arrangement with the Government by which the latter reoeives 17,600 acres of land in satisfaction of its claim. Commenting on iha interview with the Premier, ia which he was urged to inaugurate a lira insurance department, tha New Zealand Times says:—" A scheme of municipal flee insurance might, on occasion, ruin every municipality in New Zealand. Such a scheme would be without hope of the powerful basis of re-in-surance scheme. Take any large block in Wellington, for example, and calculate the loss wbiou the municipality would have to pay in , Sfce event of a dieasfcrous fire. The result would be ruin to any municipality in the colony. Since the New Year New Zealand has had a perfect outburst of fire; the insurance offices suffering to the tune of something like £2000 a day. Is it possible to believe that all these Bres are accidental ? "

A meeting of the committee of the Free Public Library Association was held at the Town Hall yesterday afternoon, his Worship the Mayor being in the chair. The Very Rev. Father Lynch was added to the committee. A Bub-committee was appointed in view of a meeting of Atbenjeum subscribers to be held shortly to draw np a statement of the negotiations that have taken place between the association and the Atheiueuru Committee, and to placa before subscribers aprecis of the support and assistance whioh the institution received in pant years from the public parse.

On Saturday afternoon Messrs Stuart (ohairman), Fairbairn, M'Curdy, Rowe, Murray, and Divis, members of the Peninsula Road Board, paid a visit of inspection to the Sandymoant district, with the object of seeing what road formation was necessary to give approach to to the beach end of the properties along the inlet. It was made evident; to, them that one or two settlers in that district have very great difficulty in taking their, produce to market. After consideration it was decided to put off dealing with the matter to find out how much the particular settlers benefited wera williDg to contribute towards the expense. Tho parSy before leaving were hospitably entertained by Mrs Peter Murray,

The1 Auckland agricultural returns show the area sown in wheat to be 8923 acres; oats, 6253 acres ; barley, 94-5 acres; maize, 11,73t acres ; potatoes, 7304 aere3; of cattle there are 2+5,10/1; horses', 55,790 ; and sheep, 1,529,159.

Our Auckland correspondent telegraphs:— " Mr Ci F. Goldie, son of Mr David Goldie, ex-M.HLK., who has been for the last three years fitting himself for an artist's career in Paris, l)as been awarded the first and only prize given for drawing from life for the united studioa of Julian, in Paris. More than 300 students from all parts of the world competed, so that Mr Goldie's work will now be'hung in the studio with that of the prize, winners for the last 10 or 15 years, many of whom are now celebrated artists." ,-f

As British Guiana is at present a colony of exceptional interest, the nnique character of its Constitution 16 worthy of notice. The Constitution of British Gniana has no parallel among British colonies. The executive power is exercised by the Governor. Legislation is conducted by a Court of Policy composed of five official,and five non-official members, the latter being selected from nominations sent up by the College of Seven Kiezers, or electors, each of whom is chosen by the voters of an electoral division. The Court of Policy, presided over by the Governor, passes all ordinances save the Annual Tax Ordinance, which is enacted by the combined court. This last-mentioned body is composed of the Governor, members of the Court of Policy; and six Financial representatives elected for two years by the votes of their constituents. The ciyil law of the colony is the Eoman Dutch, modified by Orders-in-Council and local ordinance 3', The criminal law is the same as that of England ; there is, however, no grand jury.

It is so seldom nowadays that Englishmen find mlich comfort in the perusal of continental newspapers that thereproduction of a sentence or two'from the St. Petersburg correspondence of the Frankfurter Zaitung of Boxing Day is pardonable:—Th« fact that the mere threat of war haß already oosb the Yankees pretty dear (says this German journalist) has had a sobering effect on those Russians who counted with certainty on the outbreak of a war between Great Britain and the States, Here in Russia, where, as in several other countries, people overwhelm " the British nation of shopkeepers " with Bcorn and mookery, because it can hardly mobilise half a million of soldiers, and is wont to fight any of every serious danger of war, they are quite dumb at the spectacle of the unshaken composure with which the British received the Amerioan threat, and of tho mighty shaking of the American money market in consequence of Cleveland's ill-considered utterance. They seem ody now to understand how enormous is the power of England, and this perception may have a useful effect here, too, far beyond the limits of the present dispute.

The salo by the Mutual Agency Company of Mr John1 Reid's yearliugd bus bsen postponed to Friday, the 2lsfc in«t. On tbq sumo day the company will sell the thoroughbred colt by Artillery— Tangi The valuation lists of the Borough of St. Kilda for Ffirk and Slusselburgh 'Wards are open for inspection. The Rimual meeting of the Otogo bociety for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animuls will be held on Jfridav. Messrs Wright, Stephenaon, aud Co. will sell land on the Glsmkenich; estate at1 Kelao on *Md»\ 27th March.

Last week Carter's great sale. Tremendous bargains in all departments. You can't do better than, try Carter and Co. for drapery and clothMessrs Park, Reynolds, and Co. will sell paintings on Friday. ' . ' . Messrs J. Samson and Go. sell furniture, &c. to-day. Mr W. A. Walton will sell property on 2Cth irist. Mes6rs Wright, Stephenaon, and Co. sell highclaas yearlings -on Friday, particulars appear elsewhere.

The Port Chalmers Borough Council invites tenders for the construction of a drain.

The valuation lists for the Borough of West Harbour are now open for inspection. Miss Blanche Joel thanks Mr Burtb, Signor Squarise, and others who took part in the complimentary concert to her, and the public for attending. The Good Templar Convention commences this evening by a conversazione in the Choral Hall, when the delegates to the number of about 50 will receive an address of welcome from Bro. J. Paterson, D.C.T., after which a musical programme will bo presented, with intervals for conversation. All day Wednesday wilt be occupied from 10 a.m. by a conference holds in tbe Trinity Wesleyan Church schoolroom, at which papers will be read and di6cuased. Among other attractions at the demonstration, starting at 7 o'clock, will be a large lifeboat on a lorry, full of children, with flaeb. The public meeting is to be held in the Tabernacle, Great Kin? street, and bis Worship the Mayor will preside. Ono half of the building is to bo reserved for those taking part in the procession.

If you want tea sets, dinner seta, crockery, glassware, china, enamel ware, household furnishings, Ac, go to Montague's.—Advt. Mr H. Slauntoii, of 157 High street, Chrlntchurch, suffered for 14 years from indigestion iv all its forms. One bottle "Wahoo" made a new' man of him. 2s 6d, all chemists and grocers.— Advt.

John Hislop, Watchmaker and Jeweller, 74 Princes street. The oldest established house in town. Repairs of all kinds. Good assortment AVatchcs, Clocks, and Jewellery. Spectacta to suit all sights.—[Advt.]. MokLisoN and Cos. tremendous summer sale commences to-day (Friday), 31st January, and will continue for four weeks.—Mollison and Co., 195 and 137, George street, Dunedin.—Advt.

Messrs Kidd and Co., sutxical and mechanical dentists, notify that theyhavecommenced business opposite Curgill's Monument, Princes st.— [Advt.] Xmaa and New Year Presents. —Three shipments opened this month. Stock full in all departments with latest novelties.—G. and T. ■Young, direct importere, 88 Princs3 street.—Advt.

aie.-sra A. »nd.l. jrJSAin.Aisß beg to will attention to their advertisement over the lsador. Any orders entrusted to them will receive the beat attention.—'Anvr.l

Who is Peter Dick .'—The most reliable Watchmaker, Moray place, Dunedin (opp. Coffea Palac9). Watches cleaned, sa; mainsprings, 4s 6d.—Advt.