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25
[1919
SEPTIC DISEASES.
Erysipelas and Puerperal Septicaemia are the principal diseases of this
class.
Erysipelas.—13 deaths were returned from this disease, or 6 more than
in the year 1918, and 3 above the average of the preceding ten years 1909-18.
Puerperal Diseases.—These comprise Puerperal Pyæmia, Septicæmia,
Septic Intoxication and Puerperal Fever, and they caused 13 death, which is
12 above the return of 1918, and 6 more than the average of the ten years
1909-18.
CONSTITUTIONAL DISEASES.
The chief of these diseases are Cancer, Tuberculosis, Rheumatism,
Diabetes, Gout, Gangrene and Purpura. They were collectively responsible
for 973 deaths, as contrasted with an average of 1,053 in the preceding ten
years. The death rate represented 2.95 per 1,000, as contrasted with a
decennial average of 3.32.
Cancer.—The deaths from this disease number 438. They are the most
sad of all which are recorded, for not only is Cancer a most painful disease,
but a most hopeless one, and yet there is no affliction known to humanity to
which scientists devote more time and energy to discover its cause. Year
after year they seek it, but their efforts seem vain, for to-day it is as
secret as it was a thousand years ago. Money is being lavished freely to
assist our scientists in their endeavour to discover its origin, but so far it
remains hidden. But it is thought that it cannot for ever remain hidden
from them, and without doubt with its discovery will come a method
for the treatment and cure of the most painful scourge which afflicts humanity.
The number of deaths go on increasing from year to year, for whereas
ten years ago it caused only 353 deaths, last year it is sad to have to state the
number increased to 438. The actual number of deaths in each year since
1909 is given below.
The deaths from this malignant disease during the year compared with
393 in 1918, and with an average of 383 in the previous decennium. The
deaths represent a death rate of 1.33 per 1,000 of the civil population and is
0.12 above the average rate (1.21) of the last ten years, 211 deaths occurred