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61
Great interest in Consumption and its prevention has been taken by
the public for some years past, and the possibility of its cure by the
open-air sanatorium treatment is not yet proven, but one thing is certain
that during the last months of a consumptive's life millions of disease
producing bacilli are expectorated, and one wonders how it is that no
institutions are provided for these incurables, where they could be made
happier and less harmful than in their own homes.
Bearing in mind the infective nature of the sputum in Phthisis your
Authority will no doubt take precaution against spitting, and make it
a penal offence to do so in the Electric Cars to be presently run under
your control.
It is to be hoped that this precaution will be taken at the very
outset.
Diseases of the Respiratory Organs, other than
Phthisis.—These caused 210 deaths as compared with 197 in 1903,
and are about the average number.
OTHER DISEASES.
Erysipelas. Only four deaths were attributed to this disease
out of a total of 143 notifications received. The same precautions as
with other infectious diseases is taken with this. Apart from its bad
influence if brought in contact with lying-in women, it is in no sense a
dangerous infectious disease. That bad hygienic surroundings favour
its occurrence, is undoubted, but such conditions are rarely met with in
the cases notified.
Cancer.—Sixty-two deaths were attributed to this disease, and
their distribution according to locality will be found on page 26a. An
increase of 18 deaths over the previous year indicates not so much a
greater incidence among the population as a more correct appreciation
of the condition with advancing knowledge.
Cirrhosis of the Liver and Alcoholism.—Twelve deaths
were attributed to these influences. Unwillingness to certify deaths
as due to alcoholism is the only explanation of so few deaths from
these causes.
Were the truth told it is safe to say that Alcoholism is the primary
cause of many deaths otherwise certified.
Whether poverty and dirt be the result or the cause of Alcoholism
one thing is certain, excessive beer and spirit drinking is the genesis of
decay.