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4
HEALTH AND SANITARY CONDITION
of the entire district.
The year 1863 was characterised by the prevalence of a
large amount of epidemic disease; and, in common with
the rest of the Metropolis, this District did not escape its
fatal effects.
A comparison of the contents of the several tables of
mortality appended to the Annual Reports for some years
past, will show that the deaths due to diseases of the
epidemic class were disproportionally great during the past
year.
During the period of eight years, (1855 to 1862,) the
highest percentage of deaths from the seven principal
epidemics to the total deaths from all causes (vide Table
IV, Appendix,) was attained in 1859, when it was 21.4;
but in the past year it will be found to have reached 29.9
per cent., which is considerably more than three-fourths
greater than the eight years average.
In addition to a larger amount than usual of Scarlatina,
Measles, and Fever, Small-pox prevailed epidemically. It
is to the first named disease that the excess of mortality of
the year has been essentially due; and not, as might first
appear, to Small-pox, the fatality of which malady, although
it was extensively prevalent, contrasts favourably with
most of the other districts of the Metropolis. This is a
matter for much congratulation, seeing the obstacles which
stand in the way of efficient vaccination, arising from the
negligence of the people, and the inefficient powers of the
Compulsory Vaccination Act.