View report page

Samples are also sent periodically to independent analysts
in London for their examination and the following report is
characteristic of such examinations:—
This is a clear and bright water free from odour
and taste and neutral in re-action. It is hard in character,
free from metals and contains no excess of saline matter.
Both organically and bacteriologically the water is of
a high degree of purity and is a pure and wholesome
water suitable for public supply purposes."
Twelve samples were also taken by us and submitted for
examination. The reports were in every case satisfactory.
Diphtheria Prophylaxis.
Unfortunately I am not able to give the percentage figure
of immunisation as the statistics are no longer available for
individual urban districts. I do not, however, consider that our high
percentage has fallen to any material extent, and on the whole it is
fair to say that this measure of protection continues to commend
general support.
It may be of interest, on reflecting the general fall in number of
cases of this deadly disease, to insert the following small table,
which shows that 1948 was the first year since my term of office
commenced that there have been no diphtheria notifications, despite
an increase of population from 36,000 to 40,000.

This must not be taken in any sense to mean that we can be
satisfied with the present number of children immunised. The
only safe position will be when 100 per cent, of children are
immunised, and we have some way to go to achieve that figure.
Scabies
During the year some 45 cases and contacts have been treated.
A steady decrease. Little persuasion is now needed to get people
to undergo treatment and recurrences have been infinitesimal in
number.
2