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It is difficult to write definitely on the incidence of sickness generally)
as the Medical Officer of Health has no access to sickness returns which
would render a complete and accurate survey possible. The information
that can be given is therefore mainly based on impressions gleaned
from local general practitioners, from deductions on the incidence of
certain diseases in the death returns and from details as to persons who
receive medical relief from the Public Assistance Committee.
The year, generally, was an unfavourable. one from a meteorological
point of view. The weather was very cold, particularly in the early months.
As a consequence, there was an abnormal amount of respiratory and
rheumatic affections, but the deaths from diseases of this character were
lower than in previous years. The number of deaths is, of course, no
measure of the amount of sickness and can only be regarded as an index.
Influenza was much less prevalent and less severe in type than that which
was experienced during any of the preceding five years. Judged by
the notifications received, there was a decrease in the amount of pneumonia,
94 notifications being received, compared with 196 in the previous
year.
There was a very slight increase in the number of cases of infectious
disease. The incidence of gastro-intestinal diseases was comparatively
low.
No special effects of any particular occupation, prejudicially affecting
the health of workers therein, have been reported.