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one year of age. This shows that there must have been many cases. In my report (1895-6)
I drew attention to the care required in feeding and preparing food of Infants (and during
hot seasons of the year this is still more important) to observe the greatest cleanliness as to
washing feeding bottles, and milk jugs being scalded; also the milk itself being raised to a
temperature of 180 before use. I am aware it entails a certain amount of trouble, but really
not much. I am sure good will result, so, therefore, again give this advice to all it may
concern; also the feeding of Infants in the early months with artificial foods is unwise. In
mentioning 180 degrees, I may say that it means heating just short of boiling point. The
Birth rate per 1000 is 27.16.
Whooping Cough prevailed very much this year: Measles also so much so that I
advised the schools to be closed for a time, which had a good result. No death took place
from Measles, but 4, as previously stated, from Whooping Cough.
The cases coming to my knowledge under the Notification Act are as follows:—
Under 5 years.
Scarlet Fever 2 cases.
Over 5 years.
Scarlet Fever 3 „
Diphtheria 1 „
Erysipelas 6 „
Measles 10 „
Typhoid Fever 4 „
Puerperal Fever 1 „
Total 27
Last year the total was 97.
I think we must be well satisfied with the record. Three of the Scarlet Fever cases
were removed to the Hospital, the other two were treated at their own houses, and in no
instance did it spread beyond the one case in each house.
The case of Diptheria was very mild in type and did well.
Four cases of Typhoid Fever occurred, and one proved fatal; two were removed to
Hospital; defects of drains were found on investigation, which probably were the cause.
I have examined the water from 17 wells, and found 9 unfit for use. Water has been,
or is about to be, laid on in all the premises where I found it unfit for domestic use.
The Sewerage scheme for the District is nearly complete, and I trust, after all the
expense and difficulty in carrying out this matter, the result will prove a boon so far as
health is concerned; also the dreadful business of emptying cesspools will be done away
with, together with its attendant evils.
I am satisfied with the condition of the Slaughter-houses, Bake-houses, and Dairies,
and certain alterations have been carried out upon recommendation during the year in
Slaughter-houses and Bake-houses, thereby improving their Sanitary condition.
I have also inspected a Dairy Farm, and found the cowsheds were in a condition
requiring a good deal of improvement. I am glad to say that alterations have been carried
out, and that I have no fault to find now. On the subject of cowsheds and the proper attention
to cows, it is most important to owners to carefully study the sanitary surroundings in order