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16
2869—Of infectious or catching diseases, and the legal
means of preventing their spreading (extracts from the
Sanitary Act). (Page 16, published Report.)
Mortality from Epidemic Disease.
2867. In reviewing these statistics of deaths one cannot
be otherwise than struck at the low mortality during the year.
But whilst we have every cause for thankfulness at the improvement
of the district so far, yet it must be remembered
that nearly one-fifth of the mortality has been occasioned by
epidemic disease. We show only a slightly less proportional
mortality from this cause than the Metropolitan rate this
year.
But this district is rendered by nature healthy. It is
bounded by open country; its surface is of an undulating
character, and affords the greatest facilities for perfect
drainage; and it is in most parts considerably elevated.
Therefore, as a result of all these natural advantages, we
should be able to show a less proportionate mortality from
this particular class of disease, which is well known and
accepted to be most under the control of sanitary science.
1872.—The mortality from zymotic disease only represents
a tithe of the suffering occasioned, as for every one who
dies of epidemic disease many have passed through the
disease, and more or less recovered. And it thus points out
how necessary it is to secure to the people the blessings of
pure air, both external to habitations, as well as internal
to them; pure drinking water; facilities for personal and
domestic cleanliness, as well as hygienic measures of every
kind; by which means health and strength may be promoted,
and without which suffering, pauperism, and death result.
Seven Principal Zymotic Diseases.
1873-I may again venture to draw your attention to
this fact, that they are said to be preventable—i. e.., if sanitary
regulations were perfect, they would not occur; and supposing,