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cubicle of the average overcrowded tenement house of Hong Kong, and the Sanitary Board is to be congratulated on at last acting on the advice of the Medical Authorities in this matter.
Preventive Measures Against Cholera, Dysentery, Enteric, etc.
160. The routine measures against the spread of bowel diseases with regard to the purification of public water supplies and the closing of wells continued. Measures regarding the purity and wholesomeness of foods for sale and under preparation for sale are still far from satisfactory.
Preventive Measures Against Tuberculosis.
161. The measures taken against Tuberculosis were- (a) The periodical general cleansing of premises. (b) Action to prevent the erection of unauthorised cubicles especially those which have defects in the matter of lighting, air space and ventilation.
(c) Action by the Building Authority to ensure the erection of houses having a proper supply of lighting and ventilation.
162. The overcrowded condition of the City of Victoria, its confined area, the difficulties presented by topographical features, and the absence of accommodation for evicted tenants make the question of hygienic housing of the populace one of extreme difficulty. The sanitary staff are working against great odds and they cannot hope to attain results such as are attained in other cities where the task is easier and the personnel larger. The wonder is not that so many contract tuberculosis but that so many escape.
Preventive Measures Against Helminthic Diseases.
163. With the exception of the action taken by the Veterinary staff at the Abattoirs there never has been any routine campaign against helminthic disease. Whatever be the percentage of the population carrying ankylostomes very few cases of ankylostomiasis come under the notice of the hospital authorities.
GENERAL MEASURES OF SANITATION.
Domestic Cleanliness.
164. Every domestic building or part of a building occupied by the members of more than one family must, unless especially exempted by the Sanitary Board, be cleansed and lime washed throughout by the owner, to the satisfaction of the Board, not less than once in every year, and notice in writing that such cleansing and lime-washing has been completed shall be sent by the owner to the Secretary within three days after the date of completion.