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District. Possibly before the final publication of this Report,
more detailed information upon this point may be
obtained.
Violent, Sudden and Uncertified Deaths, Inquests, &c.—
Nine Coroners' inquiries appear to have taken place during
the past year. The evidence adduced led to the finding of
verdicts to the following effect:—Found dead (an infant
about two weeks old) in such an advanced stage of decomposition
as to render it impossible to correctly judge of the
cause of death, 1; accidently scalded (a child aged
seven months), 1; sudden deaths from diseases of the
heart, 3; and other violent and accidental deaths, 4. There
were also found upon the register 7 deaths that were
uncertified by any medical attendant. As many as 4 of
these uncertified deaths were of infants under 1 year of
age, and 3 of elderly persons aged respectively 73, 75 and
81 years.
It need scarcely be repeated here that this most unsatisfactory
way of carrying out an important Act of Parliament,
designed to secure a correct record of the cause of
death, in every instance, is much to be deplored. (See
remarks in previous Reports.)
Sanitation during the Year. — Table VI. Appendix
points out that no fewer than 1,500 houses and premises
were inspected by the Surveyor and myself during the
past year, and it may be stated that, in every instance
where sanitary defects or nuisances were discovered, the
proper remedy was at once pointed out, and the owners
or occupiers called upon to execute the necessary works
forthwith. In over 350 dilapidated and unwholesome
houses and premises were the usual cleansing operations
and repairs insisted upon, and it may be further stated
that all the sanitation of the year was accomplished with
but one appeal to magisterial authority.