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62. Of the 61 cases, 50 were under 1 year of age, and 8
between 1 and 5 years: 16 cases occurred in West, and 45 in
East Plumstead.
63. The death-rate for Diarrhoea, excluding Enteritis, and
Gastro-Enteritis, as is done by the Registrar-General, was 0.53,
compared with 0.78 in 1899, and 0.77 in London.
64. I noticed that the side streets in Plumstead were not
effectually watered, and reported that this was very desirable,
as dust getting into food is an important cause of Diarrhoea.
A recommendation was made to the Works Committee that
additional plant should be procured to enable all the streets to
be properly watered.
65. The diffusion of instructions to mothers as to the feeding
and care of young infants, is perhaps the most important means
of preventing Diarrhœa. For this, lady health visitors, or sanitary
inspectors are requisite. I have continued to distribute
the instructions which I prepared, and were printed by the
Vestry, as far as opportunity has occurred.
Alcoholism.
66. There were 16 deaths from Alcoholism and cirrhosis of
the liver, 3 in West Plumstead and 13 in East. Probably half
the deaths from Phthisis and diseases of the kidney and a large
proportion of those from heart disease, pneumonia, and other
diseases were also mainly the result of intemperance.
Rheumatism.
67. There were 8 deaths from Rheumatism compared with
4, 1, 2, & 7 in the four preceding years. 29 cases of Rheumatism
were nursed by the District Nursing Association compared with
27 in 1899. All the deaths were in East Plumstead. Of the
cases nursed, Ann Street, Walmer Road, Plumstead Common
Road, and Princes Road, had 2 cases each.