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24
RESPIRATORY DISEASES.
The number of deaths due to bronchitis, pneumonia, and other diseases of the
organs of respiration was 307. This is lower by 70 than the figure (377) for 1913,
and lower than that for 1912 by 84.
The death rate was 2.70 per 1,000. In 1913 the rate was 3.46; and in 1912, 3.07.
The majority of the deaths in this group were traceable to bronchitis. The
number certified to be due to this cause was 181, as against 225 in 1913. Of this
number 105 were amongst persons aged 65 and upwards, and 45 amongst those in
the group 45-65.
The deaths traceable to pneumonia numbered 109, and as in the case of
bronchitis the later age groups contributed the greatest numbers, though 23 of the
deaths occurred amongst children under 2 years of age.
During the year, as was indicated in the report for 1913, some attempts at prevention
were made in respect of these diseases and particularly of pneumonia. As far
as possible all premises in which a death from this cause was found to have occurred
were visited by the district inspectors, enquiries were made as to possible sources of
infection, previous cases in the hcuse or family, disinfection was offered, and, if
permission was given, carried out.
The total number of visits paid in this connection was 109. Very little information
of any value as indicating the source of infection was obtained, but in the
majority of instances the suggestion that disinfection should be carried out was gladly
accepted. In one case disinfection had already been done privately before the
inspector visited the house, and the fact that the offer was made was taken by the
occupier as evidence not only of his own wisdom, but also of the enterprise and
activity of the Council in relation to public health work.
As was noted in the report of 1913, it is unfortunate that some time must elapse
between the occurrence of the death and the visit to the home, for the reason that the
information can only be obtained from the Registrar's returns of deaths which are
generally not received until at least one week after the event.
Despite the delay, it is believed that some amount of good from the educational
point of view at least is done. In time it may be that pneumonia will be made notifiable,
and the possibility of getting to closer grips with the disease will come then.
CANCER OR MALIGNANT DISEASE.
The number of deaths due to cancer was 138 and the death rate 1.21 per 1000
of the population. In 1913 the figures were higher, the total being 156 and the
death rate 1.36 per 100.
Information with regard to the situation of the disease and the age at which
death occurred is given in the following tables: