212
34
(2) House Drainage.—Existing regulations should be enforced regarding the design and construction of house drains, and remedial measures for removing existing defects should be put into effect.
(3) Scavenging.-Thorough and efficient scavenging of all public and private streets, lanes, alleys, yards and premises throughout the Colony is a great necessity.
(4) Light and Ventilation.--The existing laws with regard to light and ven- tilation require to be enforced, and regulations as to the height of buildings and the width of streets should be introduced. (A new Act has just been made.)
(5) Basements.--An enactment prohibiting the occupation of basements as
domestic dwellings is very necessary.
(6) Wells.--All wells situated within the thickly populated areas of the
City and used for dietetic purposes should be closed at once.
(7) Latrines should be provided on suitable sites throughout the City and
maintained by the authorities in a cleanly condition.
(8) Insanitary Dwellings.—The laws relating to insanitary dwellings and the closing of those unfit for human habitation should be enforced.
(9) Private Lanes and Streets.-All private lanes and streets should be
resumed by the Government and maintained in a proper condition.
:
(10) Back-to-back houses should be demolished as soon as possible.
(11) Dairies.-All dairies should be removed from the crowded districts of the city. This has been pointed out in previous years by the Colonial Veterinary Surgeon.
(12) Bakehouses.-Existing laws and regulations affecting bakehouses require
enforcement.
(13) Importation of dead meat from the mainland should be strictly prohibited. (14) Importation of Animals.-Reception lairs should be provided to allow
proper inspection of all animals imported into the Colony.
(15) Markets.--Several public markets require sanitary improvement and a market for the wholesale trade in fruit and vegetables should be instituted and efficient inspection should be carried ont. The latter is extremely necessary during the summer season.
(16) Sheep and pigs should not be kept in houses which are inhabited by
or are built for the inhabitation of human beings.
It is a matter for regret that the Resumption of Taipingshan should have been carried out before these most necessary sanitary improvements have been effected which are, I believe, far more necessary than the former. They are the common-places of Public Health, but they require a judicious expenditure of money to carry them out and efficient men to supervise them.
CONCLUSION.
In conclusion I wish on my own behalf to heartily thank those especially associated with me in the medical work, Surgeon-Major JAMES, A.M.S., Surgeon PENNY, R.N., Dr. W. F. C. Lowson and Dr. J. F. MOLYNEUX, for the very great assistance they rendered at a critical time, Each had a certain amount of routine work to get through, but where so many developments occurred at all hours of the day and night a serene temper and a ready obedience to orders were necessary to enable us to get through the work during the early days of the epidemic. These were always forthcoming and it was only our perfect unanimity which enabled us to do so much. Surgeon-Major JAMES' duties at the Tung Wab Hospital were as revolting as they well could be--even the dirty work which the officers and men of the Shropshire Regiment had to do was less disgusting.
It is as well to point out that Drs. W. F. C. Lowson and MOLYNEUX were the only volunteers to help us when matters were really serious. We had other volun- teers when the heavy part of the fight was over.
The subordinates of the Medical Department I also cordially thank for their splendid conduct, under circumstances trying to the best tempers, and for the implicit confidence they placed in all orders and directions given for their welfare.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.