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11
In the Workhouse of the Union there were 95 deaths during the
year. A large number of these were persons sent there in a hopeless
state of disease, to secure for their last days comforts which could
not bo obtained at home.
The death rate from Whooping Cough and Measles still continues
high, and no abatement can be fairly anticipated until the home
accommodation of the poor is considerably improved and extended.
This is the great want of the District, and the most difficult to
remedy.
During the past year ten persons died of Small Pox in this
District. Notwithstanding the energetic measures adopted by the
Guardians of the Poor to insure efficient Vaccination, it is to be
feared that this safeguard against its virulence is, in many cases,
neglected, or the operation imperfectly performed. I have more
than once referred to the fact that the Statistics of the Small Pox
Hospital for ten years prove that, of vaccinated persons, only 7 per
cent. die, while the per centage of persons not vaccinated is 36; and
there tan be no doubt that this mortality would bo still lower if
more care was exhibited by many operators to insure a successful
issue. The peculiarly loathsome character of this epidemic justifies
the application of stringent measures for its extirpation, and it is
worthy of consideration whether this desirable result would not be
effected by the appointment of an independent Inspector for each
District, whoso duty it should bo to certify to the success or otherwise
of every case contained in the books of the Public Vaccinator.
Forty-three Coroner's Inquests were held during the year,
principally respecting persons whoso deaths had been caused by
violent or accidental causes.
The number of births registered in the year was 1079, being 109
in excess of the deaths.
I have now, gentlemen, gone through the principal points suggested
by the tables which I beg to submit to you for perusal, and
although my Report is not so favorable in regard to the health of the
District as some others have been, it affords grounds for thankfulness
that we have passed through an epidemic season without those
fearful visitations of death which were experienced in former years.
It is again my pleasing duty to conclude by expressing my thanks
to the Board and its Officers for their hearty co-operation and kindness
during the past year. And I venture to suggest, that your
commendation is particularly due to Mr. Errington, the Inspector,
for the energy he has displayed in the discovery and abatement of
nuisances, and in carrying out the suggestions of the Board and its
Officers ; especially as the zealous manner in which he accepted the
responsibility of his position resulted in a temporary loss of health.
I am, Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
R. BIANCHI.