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By making a further examination of the totals under the three first columns
relating to age, &c., and by comparing them with those of a similar table
given in my report for 1858, it will be seen that the number of deaths under
one year, compared with that from 1 to 10 years, is slightly more favourable
in 1859 than in the preceding year; but that, standing as the number does in
the ratio of nearly seven to six, it indicates pretty clearly that the mothers'
neglect of their offspring during the earlier periods of infancy is still most
lamentably frequent: for the majority of these infant deaths, it is well known,
are not caused by disease per se, but are either directly or indirectly the
result of a low moral intelligence in respect to the proper management of
young children on the part of the parents as their natural protectors. Above
the age of 10 years the rate of mortality exhibits a decided improvement in
1859, as compared with 1858.
Sickness and Mortality amongst the Out-door Poor.
The cases of sickness amongst the out-door poor (vide Table V., Appendix)
shows a decrease equal to 18 per cent. below that of 1858, the rate of mortality,
when calculated upon the number of cases that have come under
treatment remaining about the same, notwithstanding there were, during the
past year, some alarming outbreaks of Small-pox and fever. The deaths,
however, from these two maladies have been, I may safely say, more than
compensated by the smaller number that have died amongst this class from
other diseases during the" year under notice.
Inspection of Houses.
I can congratulate the ratepayers of this extensive sub-district upon the
very visible improvement in the sanitary aspects of the parish as exhibited
in Table VI., Appendix, wherein it will be seen that whilst the number of
examinations of houses have been nearly the same as in 1858, the necessities
for executing sanitary works have diminished by more than one-half, thus
evidencing the value of the strict supervision hitherto pursued under the
auspices of the Board of Works.
Slaughter Houses, Cow Houses, and Dung Yards.
The whole of the slaughter houses in the parish, 23 in number, as well as
36 dung yards, have been repeatedly inspected, and 18 cow-houses have
been cleansed and limewhited during the year. I am of opinion that the
whole of these places ought to continue under the strictest supervision in
order to maintain them in a proper sanitary condition.
Removal of Nuisances
As many as 273 complaints and sanitary defects were entered in the Complaint
Book, but altogether 297 were made in various ways, and examined
into by myself and the Surveyor. Of these 297 complaints, it is gratifying
to state, it was requisite to seek magisterial interference in three cases only.
Various other cases of nuisance were brought to my knowledge during the
year, but many of these were removed through friendly representations to