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70
I have in various fortnightly reports given instances
of the extreme carelessness as to spread of infection
which prevails. In one case we were able to obtain the
conviction of a woman who sold the bedding on which
her daughter had died from Scarlet Fever, without any
previous disinfection. In another case a boy was found
to be attending school within a week from the commencement
of a slight attack of Scarlet Fever. There can be
little doubt that in other cases the too early return of
children to school after infectious diseases is an occasional
cause of their spread, and that the system of sending
scholars to visit absentees is most ojectionable for similar
reasons. It may be hoped that the spread of education,
particularly the teaching of elementary Physiology and
Hygiene will gradually lead to wider knowledge and
greater conscientionsness in these matters.
The table on page 66, shews that Measles, Whooping
Cough and Diarrhoea were the most fatal of the zymotic
diseases, and it is in the prevention and treatment of
these so-called mild diseases that the working classes are
preeminenty ignorant. Children scarcely convalescent
from Measles or Whooping Cough are exposed to bleak
winds, and consequently die from chcst affection ; while
Diarrhoea carries off numerous infants, who with greater
care in artificial feeding might have been saved.
inquests. Twenty-two inquests were held during the
year, and the following verdicts returned:—
1, From, Natural Causes 14
2, Accidental—Burn 1
Injury to Brain 1
Overdose of Chloroform 1— 3
3. Suicidal,—Drowning 1
Cut-throat 1
Cut veins of arm 1
Hanging 1
Carbolic acid Poisoning 1 — 5
Total 22