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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 reaction. 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
For the third year in succession we have been fortunate in that
no cases of Diphtheria have been notified. Although still needing
advertising, immunisation is now generally accepted by parents,
but some unfortunate publicity questioning the desirability of
immunisation during poliomyelitis periods has probably lessened
the number of children who would otherwise have been protected.
Scabies
No cases of Scabies were notified, and as I commented last year,
Scabies has now become once again an uncommon disease in this
district.
Infectious Diseases
During 1950 there were 8 cases of Poliomyelitis notified, unfortunately
with one death. The "Polio, season" seems now to be a regular
occurrence, and as people become more conscious of the incidence
of this disease, we can look forward to earlier recognition, and so
to an amelioration of the results.
Measles and Whooping Cough were again prevalent and there
was a mild Chicken Pox epidemic.
Pneumonia figures remain fairly constant, as does my conviction
that by no means all the cases are notified and that the figures
underestimate the incidence of the disease.
Old Age
It may seem at first sight inappropriate to comment on this
condition, but each year it becomes increasingly apparent that
more attention will have to be given to alleviating some of the
troubles, coincident, in many cases, with increasing age. Old folk
living on their own are often a problem, needing careful and kindly
handling if they are to avoid becoming a nuisance to themselves
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