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Merton, whilst 4 deaths occurred in July, 3 in August,
5 in September, and 2 in October.
In concluding these statistical matters, I should
explain that I have abstained from comparing the figures
in this report with those of previous reports for two
reasons, viz.:—
1st. Because the figures in this report are only based
on six months' returns, and
2nd. Because no rates have been given in previous
reports, excepting the birth and death-rates for Mitcham,
Merton, and Morden, and no correction has been hitherto
made for deaths, which have occurred outside the district,
but which belonged to the district.
For these two reasons, any comparison, where
possible, would be fallacious.
Isolation.—Every house infected with Scarlet
Fever, Diphtheria, Enteric Fever, and in some cases
Erysipelas, have been visited by me, and in practically
all cases instructions as to the best means of isolation
were given.
Children belonging to infected houses have been prohibited
from attending school, and notice has been sent
to the school authorities. Soon after I was appointed, I
advised the Authority to have a second notice printed
stating when a child could return to school, as a sequel to
the first, which prohibits attendance. The object of
this is to ensure the absence, from school, of children
belonging to infected houses, until such notice has been
sent to the authorities, but I am afraid that the School
Authorities have, in some cases, permitted children to
return to school before the notice has been received.