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28
The conditions contributing to the high infantile death
rate in the Central District are:—
1. Density of Buildings.—By increasing the tendency
to Diarrhoea mortality.
2. Site.-—The three Wards comprising the Central
District are low lying, and thus the tendency to many
diseases is increased. For instance Bronchitis, Pneumonia,
Diarrhoea and also Infectious Diseases tend to become
endemic in such an area.
3. Lack of Ventilation and Light.—This is conducive
to Diarrhoea, Rickets, Chest Troubles and Wasting
Diseases. Among the common conditions that are harmful
are obstructive walls and buildings, back to back houses,
overcrowding, and neglect of ventilation of rooms. Light,
in many of the small houses, is reduced to a minimum.
4. Lack of Cleanliness.— This has a similar effect
to the above. In many houses refuse is left about in the
yards, animals are kept, and the yards belonging to the
smaller houses I regret to say, are only partly paved and
generally filthy and damp. The floors, walls, furniture,
clothing and bedding are notoriously dirty in many of the
houses.
5. Foul Air.—This is produced by lack of ventilation
and accumulation of filth, aided in many cases by the use
of a gas stove situated frequently in the only living room,
and used instead of a fireplace ; a common practice in the
district referred to.
6. Drinking Water.—This can only cause Diarrhœa
when the supply is insufficient, and therefore is not responsible
for the ordinary epidemics of summer Diarrhoea in this
borough.