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54
TYPHOID FEVER.
The number of deaths were 30 from this disease. This is a very small
number; there is little doubt that the many sanitary improvements that
have been carried out during the last few years account for the low rate
of mortality.
We had 37 cases notified to us from various sources. In some the
disease could be traced to defective drainage ; most of the localities
were visited and means taken to prevent its spread.
DIARRHCEA.
The mortality from Diarrhoea was 151. 136 of these cases occurred
between July and September, no doubt caused, to a great extent, by the
hot weather and the eating of unsound fruit.
VOLUNTARY NOTIFICATION OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE.
During the past year the system of notification of Infectious diseases
by medical men has worked very well. Something like 111 cases have
been notified to us, which has been a great help, principally in
shewing us the locality of the diseases, and by that means we are enabled
to take measures to prevent its spread, and also to disinfect the rooms,
bedding, etc., when necessary. I hope in the near future all the medical
men in the district will feel it their duty to notify to us the cases which
come under their notice.
In my last Report 1 expressed a hope that the compulsory notification
of Infectious diseases would be in force before long. During the last
year this important subject has come very much to the fore, and there is
now a Bill before the House of Commons to secure notification and
other powers. There seems to be a rather divided opinion whether the
notification should come from the medical man or the householder, or
both ; however that may be, the principal of acquiring early information
is a sound one, and will be of great utility in preventing the spread of
these diseases. There are already some fifty Towns in England which
have local powers for notification, and this is found to be very beneficial
in lessening the mortality of the district.
HOUSES PLACED UNDER THE ARTIZANS' AND
LABOURERS' DWELLINGS ACT, 1868.
Under the provisions of this Act I have reported to the Vestry during
the last twelve months the following houses :—Nos. 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12,
Philpot Street, Nos. 62, 63, 85, 86, 87, 88 and 89, Greenfield Street.
I hey were in a condition dangerous to health and unfit for human
habitation. I recommended the usual proceedings to be taken under
the Act. In 62 and 63, Greenfield Street, and 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12,
Philpot Street, the work was completed under the supervision of your
Surveyor. I he works at the houses Nos. 85 to 89, Greenfield Street, I
regret to say, have not as yet been completed although they were the
most unsanitary of the whole. The ventilation has been impeded by
the erection ot a number of workshops occupied by foreigners whose
habits are far from cleanly, and I trust that your Board will insist on
these orders being carried out in their entirety.