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Although the annual rate of mortality, 22.9 per 1,000 population,
is higher than that for the previous year, it bears favourable comparison
with that for the whole metropolis, 23.25 per 1,000.
The excess of deaths over the previous year was caused mainly by
phthisis and other pulmonary affections, and by scarlet fever in the
third Quarter of the year; measles and diphtheria were also considerably
more fatal than in the previous year.
Zymotic Diseases.
See Table III.—Five deaths only occurred from small pox in
private houses during the four Quarters, and of these one only occurred
in the first three Quarters, and four in the Quarter ending March, 1880.
I have no record of the number of deaths occurring in Hospitals to
patients from this Hamlet from this disease. In corresponding period
of last year there were eighteen deaths in private houses.
As regards small pox, I have found difficulty in obtaining reliable
statistics owing to the various authorities involved. I can, however,
give from my own knowledge the number of non-pauper cases sent to
Highgate, since it was determined by the Vestry to send them there,
rather than to allow them to remain sources of infection within the
Hamlet. Four guineas have to be paid for each patient for treatment
and maintenance during the whole period of illness ; added to this there
is the cost of transit. The Vestry is primarily liable for these charges,
but may recover the amount from the persons afterwards.
It is satisfactory to observe there were only five deaths at their
own homes during the four quarters.
I may add that since the above was written the cases are being
mostly removed at the cost of the Common Poor Fund.
During the four quarters included in this Report, there were only
7 cases sent to the Hospital at Highgate, at a cost of £29 8s. and conveyance.
All the cases sent subsequently will come within the four quarters
of the succeeding year.
In all cases of small pox coming to our knowledge, whether the
patients were treated at home or sent to Hospital, the rooms occupied
by them were disinfected by a skilled person specially employed by the
Vestry; the walls, where papered, being stripped, and ceilings, &c.,
lime-washed ; bedding, clothing, and all textile materials also being
properly disinfected under supervision.