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29
ascrihable to the privations suffered by a considerable section of the
population throughout the year.
Cancer. The deaths from cancer number 30, compared with
29, 19 and 40 in the three preceding years. The death rate from
this cause is therefore 0.56. The attention that has been drawn to
this disease in recent years owing to its apparently increased mortality
as shown by the death returns, has directed a large amount of energy
towards its more careful study. In order to assist this work it is of
great importance that the certification of all deaths from this cause
should be as full and as precise as possible.
Syphilis. During the year one death was returned as being
due to this cause. Having in mind the number of nervous and
other disorders ending fatally each year that find their origin in this
disease, the small number of deaths habitually returned as due to it,
can only be considered as an immense understatement of the facts.
Alcoholism. Seven deaths were returned under this head.
Here, again, owing to the system of death registration, the actual
number of deaths from alcoholism is greatly understated.
BACTERIOLOGICAL LABORATORY.
The Council have authorised the establishment of a laboratory at
the Town Hall for the examination of specimens from suspected
cases of infectious disease. I hope before long to have the
laboratory in working order, when I shall acquaint the medical
practitioners of the district with the arrangements that have been
made for receiving specimens and for sending them the results of
examination. It is hoped that this means will enable an earlier
diagnosis of diphtheria and enteric fever to be arrived at, than is
possible without the aid of bacterial examination.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES HOSPITAL
ACCOMMODATION.
The Council have an arrangement with the Enfield District
Council whereby the following beds are retained at their isolation
hospital for the reception of patients from this district:—