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302
ADMINISTRATIVE WORK.*
It would be possible to compile many pages of
elaborate statistics on the work of the Department
during the year, but it is more satisfactory to judge
that work by the vital statistics, as indicators of
results, rather than by dry-as-dust figures, which
simply record the energy expended. The customary
Table setting out the numerical returns of some of
the work will be found in the Table VI. in
Appendix A. A few points which present more
real interest, may be usefully referred to.
Prevention of Infectious Disease. —On receipt of
a notification, or information of an infectious illness
not set down for notification, a visit is paid to
obtain information as to matters relative to the
origin and spread of the disease, and to ascertain
whether the case should go to hospital or remain at
home. The "visits of enquiry" for these purposes
numbered 839 during 1899, compared with 2,781
in 1898, when measles was epidemic. These
figures take no account of the visits and inquiries
conducted by the Medical Officer of Health. The
rooms disinfected during the year numbered 767—
compared with 1,259 in 1898—and 32 tons of goods
were removed for disinfection and cleansing. When
*Parts of this Section of Report have been carried down to March 31st.
1900.