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104
No very marked change in the contours shown for measles and whooping-cough
has occurred since 1871-80, but it is evident that the mortality at ages under two
years from these causes has decreased less than in later years of life. There is
remarkably little alteration in the contour relating to scarlet fever, and this fact,
taken together with the greatly increased attention given to bacteriological examination
of sore throats in school children in the last thirty years, is suggestive of
transfer of cases formerly regarded as scarlet fever to diphtheria.
The changes in the rates for diphtheria are remarkable, and are entirely different
from those shown in the other sections of the diagram. It will be noticed, however,
that the periods in which the mortality at ages 5-10 and 10-15 is in excess comprise
years in which diphtheria was very prevalent, i.e., 1891-1900 and 1921-23, while
conversely, those periods in which diphtheria was not epidemic have a much flatter
contour. Something similar to this is apparent in the contours for measles mortality,
the period of highest mortality, 1881-90, having the highest peak in the contour ;
and it is not improbable that if the fluctuations in mortality had in the case of measles
been so great as in diphtheria, the contours would also have shown correspondingly
increased variation.
Supervision
of dietaries.
The whooping cough mortality at age 15-20 in 1921-3 is calculated on very
small figures.
Milk supplied to necessitous and other children has been examined throughout
the year. The number of samples analysed was 1,186, of which 111 (9.3 percent.)
were unsatisfactory, 5.2 per cent, containing added water and 4.l showing a
deficiency of fat. The maximum addition of water in any one sample was 30 per
cent., whilst the greatest abstraction of fat was 60 per cent. Action was taken in
all cases. In connection with the provision of meals at Feeding Centres, 40 meals
were examined in the Council's Central Laboratory, and in many cases attention was
drawn to the need for an increase in the nourishing and heat-giving constituents.
Examination of Candidates.
Including some who attended for their first examination in 1923, the number
of candidates examined during 1924 was 6,486, an increase of 940, or 17 per cent,
over 1923. The total number of examinations was 7,650. The candidates may
be classified as (a) for entrance to the permanent service; (b) for scholarships.
Candidate
for permanent
services.
The number of candidates examined was 869 (417 males and 452 females), but
eight of these attended for their first examination in 1923. There were, however
972 examinations (460 males and 512 females); in 103 cases (43 males and 60 females)
a second or third examination was necessary. Of the number thus referred, remedial
treatment was satisfactorily obtained in 94 cases, 5 were rejected, one withdrew
her application. 46 were still under consideration at the end of the year. The
number of rejections was 15, the reasons for rejection being vision 8, heart 1, miscellaneous
6.
Candidates
for scholar
ships.
The scholarships and awards granted by the Council fall into three divisions,
each of which requires a different medical examination of candidates : (i.) County
scholarships as a step to institutions of university rank ; (ii.) technical and special
scholarships; (iii.) awards enabling candidates to prepare for the teaching profession.
The number examined was 5,617, including 31 who atended for their first examination
in 1923. There were, however, 6,678 examinations, the excess being due to the
fact that in 1,061 cases a second or third examination was necessary ; 953 obtained
satisfactory treatment and were on re-examination certified as fit. 181 were
rejected, 156 being rejected as the result of their first examination, and 25 as the
result of subsequent examinations. The reasons for rejections were: defective
vision, 97 ; unsatisfactory general health, 40 ; unsatisfactory condition of heart, 13 ;
miscellaneous, 32. One candidate was reiected for two defects.
Cases
specially
referred.
Ihere are also referred to the public health department special cases or employes
in the education service absent owing to illness ; questions in regard to students