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10
that the disease is frequently spread through the
agency of schools. The duration of an epidemic has
frequently been shortened by the closure of schools,
both public and private. The School Board do not
allow children living in infected houses to attend
their schools, a fact probably unknown to many
parents.
This Parish was particularly free from this complaint
during the year; one death only was recorded.
Influenza.
This complaint was somewhat prevalent during
the first quarter of the year, resulting in three deaths,
which were mostly associated with pulmonary affections.
Cancer.
Malignant disease was accountable for 11 deaths,
which is a decrease of nine on that of the previous
year. Cancer is stated by some to be on the increase
generally, possibly however some portion of the apparent
increase in deaths classified to this cause may
be due to more accurate diagnosis. Deaths from
this disease are usually more numerous proportionally
to population and are probably more prevalent
amongst well-to-do people than the poorer classes.
The parts of the body most commonly affected are
the internal organs, in women the uterus and breast;
the disease being for the most part one of later life.
Inquests.
Eight sudden deaths necessitated public enquiries.
The causes of death were: