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6
Although the number of deaths from tuberculosis increased during the
latter years of the war it will be seen from the above table that last year
there was a marked reduction, also in the number of deaths from the other
causes, with the exception of Organic Heart Disease and Cancer. In the case
of Cancer, although the exact cause is still to be determined by
co-operative patient research, it is well-known that a factor in its prevention
is the avoidance of irritation, e.g.,—the prevention of cancer of the stomach by
the avoidance of irritating food and by careful mastication, also that a radical
cure can be effected by the earliest possible diagnosis followed by operation.
In the case of Organic Heart Disease, much careful research work is now
being carried on by Sir James Mackenzie and others.
Since the passing of the Public Health Act, 1875, the mortality from the
seven principal infectious diseases has enormously diminished for the number
of deaths per million in England and Wales has been reduced from an average
of 2,942 per 1,000,000 in the five years 1871-75, to 709 per 1,000,000 for the five
years ending 1917, that is, less than one-fourth.
During the same period there has also been a large reduction in the
number of deaths from tuberculosis.
Scavenging.
The removal of house refuse is carried out by contract, under the supervision
of the Public Health Department. In the main thoroughfares and in
a number of other principal streets, there is a daily collection. In the
remainder of the streets before the war there used to be a collection at least
twice in every week. During the War in a number of streets in which
there was not a daily collection, it was found to be impracticable to
continue the at least twice weekly collection, but this removal twice each
week is now being gradually resumed; specially during the summer months.
Taking into consideration war conditions, the removal of house refuse was
generally satisfactorily carried out.
In a large majority of the houses in the Borough, the old large fixed
ashpits have been replaced by movable sanitary ashbins.
Sanitary Inspection of District.
In addition to my many inspections, the Sanitary Inspectors made about
21,000 varied inspections, each inspection frequently covering a number of
different sanitary matters. The total number of notices served for nuisances
found in dwelling houses and factories, workshops and workplaces, and
premises that are subject to various by-laws, was 2,118.
The smoke shafts in the Borough were frequently kept under observation,
and notices served where necessary. In no case was legal proceedings
required.