MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1898.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11228, 26 September 1898, Page 2

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1898.

"There could hardly be a more striking example of the paralysing effect of a false belief upon human effort than the fact that consumption is still allowed to levy an enormous tribute of human lives." These words form the opening sentence of a-, striking article on "The Prevention of Consumption," by Malcolm Morris, F.R.C.S., in the '"Fortnightly Review" for August. The general public mind has hardly begun to appreciate the tremendous advance which has been made during these latter years in scientific knowledge of the conditions of consumption, and there is reason to believe that very many medical men are equally stationary in their attitude. Times havo changed since Sir Thomas Watson, only a quarter of a century ago, pronounced consumption to be "fatal aiid almost hopeless," and ridiculed the idea of the disease being contagious. Hereditary taint—"family history"—was- almost invariably accepted as the cause in those days, and consequently the idea of prevention had no practical existence. Nevertheless, oven before the change of scientific conviction, the prevalence of consumption was very greatly reduced by improvement in sanitary conditions. Tn England there has been a remarkable and almost continuous reduction during the last 60 years*, in 1838 the rate of mortality from consumption was 38 por 10,000; in 1895 the 38 had fallen to 14. Yet consumption still claims more lives ' than typhoid fever, diphtheria, scarlatina, measles., smallpox, cholera, and all epidemic scourges together. In tho United Kingdom 1 in 11 persons dies of consumption, without counting other forms .of. tuberculous disease. The total European mortality is estimated at not less than a million. "And the pity of ib [we quote from tlie article in the "Fortnightly"] is that the greater parfc at least of this huge .sacrifice of human life could be prevented. We know now as a certain truth that tuberculosis can be prevented, and we know ■just as surely that it can bo cured. With regard to the question of prevention, it will naturally be asked, in the memorable words of the Prince of Wales at the. opening of the Congress of Hygiene in 1891; 'If preventable, why not prevented ?' The answer to this is that the prevention of tuberculosis has not till quite lately been regarded as within the sphere of practical hygiene, because the fact that it is really preventable has nofc been fully grasped. The same tiling may be said as to its curability." Some interesting facts are mentioned regarding the curability of the disease, but the writer is mainly concerned' with the question of prevention. People generally insist ou looking upon the new doctrine of the transmission of tuberculosis as a medical fad, and it seems thafc iv tbis matter

the faculty has come in for oue' of time's revenges. For centuries the popular instinct declared consumption to be contagious, but the contrary medical dogma gradually eradicated this unconsciously correct idea from the public mind: so that the doctors are now set the task of undoing the work of their professional ancestry. Thanks to Koch and other investigators, "we know that tuberculosis is caused by a living germ or bacillus, which somehow finds its way

into the body

Whence does it

come ? In every case from some other person, or it may be from an animal, suffering from tuberculous disease." The use of diseased meat and milk is a well-known mode of infection: this danger even the popular mind may be said to have appreciated,' partially, at all events, thanks to . the persistent preaching of sanitary patriots. ' But what is the proportion of people who understand that the danger from expectorated matter is far greater than the danger from diseased meat or milk? "The chief source of infection, as far as consumption in particular is concerned, is the matter expectorated by consumptive patients. Tho expectoration of such persons is charged with millions of bacilli, which are harmless as long as they are, so to speak, clogged with moisture. When the sputum dries, however, they are set free, and mingle with the dust, and in it they are, carried about, 'horsed upon the sightless couriers of the air,' till they are drawn, into the lungs of someone whose tissues have not the resisting power of perfect health." The writer declares his belief that if the infectiveness of tuberculous sputum could be obviated, and if tuberculous meat ancl milk were never used, tuberculosis would very soon be a thing of the past.

The writer notes the essentially comforting and hopeful import of the now established doctrine of contagiousness: "We not only know our enemy, but we know where he is to be found, ancl how he is to be attacked." What is wanted is extension and co-ordination of all preventive efforts. There is a great ileal of salutary activity with the object of preventing the conveyance .. disease from animals to mau: tlie still more important work of preventing communication from man to man has yet to be properly faced. The Glasgow Corporation has issued a leaflet of instructions, —a summary of what every citizen ought to know regarding the subject,—ancl the contents of this leaflet we reproduce in another column. We take it that there is no essential difference between the conditions in the old country and those in New Zealand. But (to quote again) "the most admirable codes of rules will avail nothing unless they are carried out in practice. After all, the chief obstacle to be overcome is not the ignorance, but the indifference of the people. The medical profession itself cannot, be altogether acquitted of apathy on the subject,"— and the neglect of the use of portable spitoons is given as an instance.

The following are mentioned as the live main lines of advance to be followed: (l)Genernl sanitation; (2) supervision of dangerous trades: (3) control of food supply; (4) isolation of the sick; (5) destruction of sputa and disinfection of rooms. The last two have hitherto been neglected.

An appeal is being made for a national crusade against tuberculosis, — "a popular movement" under scientific guidance." The Prince of Wales has consented to act as president of a preventive association, and one of the most important features in the scheme will be the establishment of open-air sanatoria for tuberculous patients. Tho remedies for consumption, according to Sir Samuel Wilks, are " air and sunshine—Am, Air, Fresh Air." Of course, uo scheme would be effective unless tho needs of poor patients were provided for: sanatoria must be established for those who cannot pay as well as for those who can. It is a matter, not merely of philanthropy in the ordinary sense, but also of national safety and self-interest. Ppssibly some of our medical men or .scientists may have something to say concerning coguato conditions iv New Zealand.

A rather nasty accident happened on Saturday to Mrs Jackson, wife of Captain Jackson, of the recently-formed Volunteer Corps. A party of ladies and gentlemen were having a pienio on the Cliffs, at the 6outh of Mr E. B. Cargill'B houso, when Mrs Jackson, who formed one of the party, rolled, or was blown over, a steep embankment, and down a rocky declivity, which terminates in tho preoipitous cliff overlooking the ocean. Fortunately for her, when within a few feet of the cliff, some obstruction arreetod her progress, or sho would havo fallen over the cliff and into the sea. As it was she received a severe shaking, and was a good deal bruised about the body. Her friends, however, conveyed her to Mr Cargill's house, where she mot with such attention as it was possible to give her. She was then taken home in a trap, kindly lent by Mr CarRill-

"Wo live in an age of adulteration. If over there was a century remarkable for its adulteration it is this nineteenth century with all its boasting. Tt is a dishonest century, and you can hardly get anything that is crouuine." —Archbishop Redwood, preachinc* yesterday at St. Patrick's Church, South Dunedin. -

The entries for tho 17th annual horse parade teld under the auspice, of the Otaeo Agricultural and Pastoral Society close to-day. The number of entries received up to Saturday night were as follow: —Clydesdale stallions. 10; carriage and hackneys, 11; thoroughbred, 6. These entries include animals from the principal breeders in Otago and Southland. The parade will be held at Tahuna Park <->n Thursday next at 11 o'clock, and a special auction of those entered for sale will be held immediately afterwards. There is a considerable falling off of the entries for Clydesdales as compared with last year, but these miiiht be slightly increased to-day.

The Citizens' Band played a .number of selections in lli'e Octagon on Saturday evening to tho evident, delight of the large crov/d which assembled to hear them. Yesterday the Engineers' Band played a ivolhsolected programme at St. Clair.

At Port Chalmers on Saturday, before Mr E. H. Carew. S.M., the following civil cases were disposed of:—J. Robertson v. D. .T. O'Donnoll, claim £3 10s 3d, for meat supplied ; Mr Platts appeared for plaintiff, for whom judgment was given with 17s oosts. W. Meoburn v. J. Barrowman, cluim £2 8s; Mr Platts for plaintiff. Defendant, who did not appear, was.ordered to pay the amount with 6s costs..

In 1871 the Anglican Church of Now Zealand started a board to provide for tho eflioiont education of the clorgy. It bears the name of the Board of Theological Studies. The prescribed course consists of four grades, in which there are three classes. Tho-highest grade is the fourth; the highost class is the first. In tho second and third grades there aro two scholarships awarded to the first two in tho fc*6t class. Tho course is au excellent one. Anyone who has taken a first class mall the grades holds a position of which he and his church may be justly proud; Suoh successes are few out of the hundreds who have been examined. A moro phenomenal success is to Becuro the first place in the first class in each of the four gradeß. Since the institution of the board only, four candidates have done thiß—viz., tho Revs. H. P. Cowx, J. de Galwey, and H. D. Major, and now

the Rev. H. S. Leach. Each of theso had this extraordinary distinction; each also winning the scholarships in grades two and three. The Rev. H. S. Leach, curate of St. Matthew's, Dunedin, is the last to win this distinction, and he is to be congratulated on his success. Mr Leach studied at Selwyn College for grades one and two, but received no assistance thence for grade four, which be has just passed, entitling him to the hood (black poplin edged with purple silk) conferred by the Church of New Zealand on those who so distinguish themselves as to pass the fourth grade. Taking the averages of the marks obtained by the four distinguished candidates above-named in their respective years, it would be impossiblo to say that one is higher than the other. This may well be satisfactory to each of these gentlemen, as it is to their friends and colleges. Other successes at the last examination obtained by Dunedin students are the Roy. H. Brooko, ourato of St. Paul's, who took second place in the first class of grade three, winning thereby a scholarship; Mr Rawnsley, second placo in second class ih grade two; Mr Aston, fourth placo in second class in grade two. Theso three gentlemen owo their success to the tuition received at Selwyn College, of which Canon Richards is warden.

Two first offenders, charged with drunkenness, wero brought beforo Mr A. G. Christopher, .LP., at tho City Police Court on Satur day morning, ancl were convicted and discharged. This completed the business.

Tho death is announced this morning of Mrs James Bain, another of tho early settlors. The deceased' lady was born near Edinburgh in 1820, ancl arrived in the colony with her husband and family with the ship Larkins, in 184-9. For some years past she ha-s resided at Maori Hill. She leaves a family of five sons and three daughters.

Tho Mount Ida Chronicle reports _ that Messrs Perham ancl Aitken, C.E.s, visited the Eweburn reservoir, which is being constructed under the charge of Mr R. H. Browne, C.E., and it is understood expressed satisfaction with the work. Everything is nearly ready for the reception of the outlet pipe. During their visit Messrs Perham ancl Aitken gathered a large quantity of useful information to enable them to report on the question of raising tho height of the wall from 55ft to ,70ft. From an engineering point of view thero is no objection, while threo is no doubt that in average years tho rainfall is moro than enough to fill tho reservoir.

The Dunodin Highland Rifles held a church parade yesterday, when there was a fair muster. Headed by tho Garrison Band ancl their pipers, the volunteers marched to Knox Church, whoro tho Rev. W. Hewitson preached an appropriate sermon.

A movement is on foot for tho organising of an Australasian band to visit England and Paris during the year 1900. The originator of tho idea is M. C. Foret, well-known in connection with the intercolonial band contests in Sydney, who proposes to secure a band of 30 performers from tho several colonies. The cost of each man is estimated at £50, and each colony is expected to provide tho cost of its own representatives, but it is believed the engagements in Europe will more than cover expenses. M. Foret will visit Queensland shortly, and it might be advisable to try and secure his presence during the band contest in Dunodin in December,

Sir Thomas Lipton, the well-known tea merchant and grocer, and ono of fhe cleverest advertisers of this generation, has started a great scheme for providing working men's restaurants. During tho Queen's Jubilee festivities Sir Thomas gave £25,000 to tho Princess of Wales's fund for providing dinners for the poor. Ho has now presented tho Alexandra Trust with £100,000, in order to start a self-supporting working man's restaurant scheme. Tho proposal originated out of the Princess of Wales's desire to supply cheap meals to the poor, not on special occasions only, but all tho year round. Restaurants are to be placed in tho working class centres of London, and Sir Thomas hopes to give ovory purchaser a plate of moat and bread for twopence, and for fourpenco soup, bread, meat, and two vegetables. If the sohemo is successful, Sir Thomas promises to spend £50,000 in order to try a similar plan in Scotland. This gentleman is now very much to the front. He has contracted to supply the troops manoeuvring on Salisbury Plain with food, and to furnish his own commissariat waggons.

The confidence triok was perpetrated the other day in Perth, Western Australia, on a now arrival from ono of the other colonies who had a largo sum of money in his possession for investment Ho was shepherded by a gang of confidence men, six in number, and was eventually approached by one of them, who stated that he had just arrived from England by the R.M.S. Oroya, and represented an influential English syndicate, of * which Baron Rothschild and Lord Brassey wore the promoters. He produced a printed prospectus, and a plau of campaign was discussed. The new arrival handed ovor £400 in gold to the chief of tho confidence party. All of them then adjourned to the nearest hotel, when, after a few drinks, the leader of tho confidence men asked to bo excused on tho plea of indisposition, and promised to return immediately. Tho others also took their departure one by one, and all failed to return. The victim, realising that he had been duped, The victim, realising that he had been duped, then reported the matter to tho police.

It will be seen.from our advertising columns that the last leaturo of the session of the St. Andrew's Literary Instituto will bo given this evening. Tho lecturor is the president (Dr Waddell). His subject, " The Ethical and Spiritual Significance of the ' Ring and tho Book.' " Those who wish lo maico most of the lecture aro requested to read the poems that deal with Pompilia, Guido, Ca-ponsaccbi, and the* Pope, particularly tho last.

Residents of the North-East Valloy inteiested in urging the council to reopen negotiations with the Tramway Company for a service are requested to meet in the Council Chambers on Wednesday evening. Sales of grain and produce will be held today as follows: —The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, 9.45 a..m.; Scssrs Donald Reid aud Co., 10 a.m.; Messrs Dalgety and Co., 10.30 a.m.

John .Hisujp, • oldest established Watchmaker and Jeweller, 74 Princes street. Good assortment Watches, Clocks, and Jewellery. Spectacles suit all sights.—Advt.

Fob Pukctiju. Itaral—Pei'eb Dick most reliable "Watchmaker and Jeweller, opposite Coffee Palace, Moray place, Dunedin. Charges strictly moderate.—Advt.

G. and T. Yctrxo, watchmakers and jewellers, 88 Princes street, notify that thoy have finished stocktaking, and have opened their new goods ex 6teamers lonic, Ruahine, and Aotea. Inspection invited. Prices strictly moderate.—Advt.

Morris, photographer, removod to George street, near Knox Church, during alterations m Princes street.—Advt.

Frank Hyams, jeweller, notifies that his premises will bo closed all day to-day.—Advl. Closed all day to-day. Reopen Tuesday.— New Zealand Clothing Factory, Octagon.— Acb-t.

Massage and Electricity.—Mr and Mrs D. Edwin Booth, Massage Institute, Stuart street, Dunedin.—Under the patronage of the medical gentlemen of Dunedin.