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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.
For the second year in succession no cases of Diphtheria have
been notified. More attention is now being given to the "boosting"
dose for the 5-7 year old group, and this will ensure further
protection. It is noticeable that parents now seek to have their
children immunised as a routine, and one can with some reason
expect this attitude to continue.
Scabies
During the year 8 cases only of Scabies and contacts have been
treated. There is a very marked decrease in the number of cases
notified, and now that war-time conditions of Shelter Life and the
Black-out have become things of the past, I would venture the
opinion that we shall return to the pre-1939 conditions when
Scabies was a most uncommon disease in this district.
Infectious Diseases.
During 1949 there was 1 death from Poliomyelitis—nevertheless
it becomes apparent that this problem will be an increasing
one, and the difficulty of tracing a source of infection becomes
no less.
The figures show little variation worthy of comment except
perhaps to say that Measles tends to become more prominent each
year. I regret that there is still considerable difficulty in obtaining
supplies of convalescent measles serum for attenuation of the
disease in suitable cases. Protective injection against Whooping
Cough seems still to me to be of doubtful value, nor have I yet seen
evidence to convince me otherwise.
1948 was a peak year for Whooping Cough, but as against the
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