View report page

5
mortality from Scarlatina, Whooping Cough, Erysipelas,
Fever, and especially Diarrhœa.
The deaths from these diseases exceeded those of the
previous year by no less than 91, and the increase is found
to be within four of the excess of deaths from all causes
in the past year, compared with the number registered in
the previous one.
That which claims particular attention in this Report is
the great prevalence and fatality of Typhus and Diarrhoea
during the past year; and the unusual fatality from the latter
disease affords considerable cause for apprehension of the
probable advent of Cholera in the ensuing season, and
pointedly indicates the necessity for a vigorous prosecution
of all sanitary proceedings.
sanitation.
The amount of sanitary work accomplished during the
past year (vide Table VI. Appendix) has been considerably
greater than that noted in former tables, particularly in the
matter of sewerage, and is altogether of a character which,
if well sustained, cannot fail to benefit most materially the
general health of the District.
It will not be necessary to offer any further remarks upon
this Table, but there are several suggestions for sanitary
improvements contained in the local summaries of this Report,
to which it is desirable to direct the special attention
of the Board.
1. As to a Constant Water Supply.—There can be no
two opinions upon the necessity which exists for an arrangement
of this kind, to secure the needed amount of water
both for domestic purposes, and for house-drainage,
the latter, indeed, having no chance of being rendered perfect
without it. The Medical Officers of Health, therefore,
unite in strongly supporting the present movement to secure
this great desideratum.
2. As to an Improved System of Scavengering.— It is a
question that strongly recommends itself to the consideration
of the authorities, whether pauper labour might not be