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the tables on Pages 49 and 52. Appendix C, and those relating to
Bakehouses in the special report under the Factories and Workshop's
Act of 1901 (Appendix A).
I have found, on my frequent visits to these places, that the
general improvement noted in my last report is fully maintained.
Some of the tradespeople are eager and willing to respond to
suggestions made to them, and I do not think that any of them
have regretted the expenditure they have incurred in making better
and more suitable arrangements.
But there is still a tendency on the part of many to "muddle
along" with chaotic backyards and unclean appurtenances. If the
customers of milksellers in particular, instead of succumbing
straightaway to the allurements of ornamental shop fronts, would
ask to see the places where milk is stored and milk cans washed,
there would be very much less sickness amongst infants and
children.
Infectious Disease.
As will be seen by reference to the table on Page 47 (Appendix
C), the total number of cases of Scarlet Fever, Diphtheria and
Typhoid Fever notified during 1905 was 52, exactly the number
notified during 1904, and almost exactly half the average number
notified during the years 1895-1904, when the population was much
less than it is now. Put in another way the number of cases of
Scarlet Fever, Diphtheria and Typhoid Fever notified per 1,000 of
the population was, in 1904, 2.2 ; and in 1905, 2.1; while the average
for the 10 years, 1895-1904, was 5.5.
These figures, which have been carefully verified by comparison
with the County Medical Officer of Health's returns, indicate, I
think, that we have normally much less of these diseases than in
past years. [See accompanying Charts].