Consumption.

Otago Witness, Issue 2630, 10 August 1904, Page 68

Consumption.

The striking results which have attended the labours of the Royal Commission appointed to inquire into the relations of human and animal tuberculosis, and which have induced the commission to issue an interim report, bring the attention of the public once more to the fell scourge which slays 60,000 persons every year. One in every 14 is an enormous percentage of deaths from this cause, biit things are even worse in France, where the death-roll from tuberculosis has reached the enormous total of 150,000 per annum.

No effort should be spared to familiarise the public with the measures that may be adopted -with advantage in the initial stages of this terrible disease. Much can be done when it is generally realised that consumption is contagious, and that the most general method of contagion is from the expectoration of tuberculous people, and by milk and meat from tuberculous animals. The public can be taught that although it may not be in their power to cure the disease,

it certiinly is in our power to restrain or even prevent ils ravage". Individuals may be isolated until they cer.se to be a source of contagion. People who spit may be fined or imprisoned. Meat may be carefuily inspected at the slaughter-houses. Milk may be boiled before consumption. Sanatoria may be established in evciy country, where the victims will be treated with due regards to the requirements of hygiene, fresh air, and diet. But all this is not siTfiicient. The predisposing causes must engage our attention. And at the present they cannot be successfully attacked, for the source lies at 'the very roots of our social organisation. To the public conscience we must look for the> weapons to deal effectively with the situation, for to a very large -extent the problem is one with the labour and housing problems. How bad things were in the. past may be gathered from the death-rat© reduction of 45 per cent, in 40 years. — Westminster Gazette.