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27
The deaths from all the zymotic diseases were 305, being 3 more
than in the preceding year.
The number of deaths from the principal zymotic diseases was
274; being 5 fewer than in the preceding year, and 55 less than the
average of the last 10 years.
The principal points to be noticed in regard to these diseases
are:—a great reduction in the number of deaths from Small Pox
a slight increase in the mortality from Measles; a reduction in the
deaths from Scarlet Fever; an increase in those arising from
Hooping-Cough ; a reduction in the deaths from Typhus ; and some
increase in the deaths from Diarrhœa.
The fumigation and disinfection of the houses where Small Pox
and Typhus were known to have occurred, were followed up as in
preceding years.
Slaughter-Houses.—The Slaughter-Houses were inspected
by the Sanitary Committee and myself, prior to the licensing. They
were 33, kept by 32 butchers. In 1871, the numbers were 33 and 33
respectively. The regulations under which they are licensed were
stated in my last Report.
The Vestry have agreed to their being officially inspected twice a
year, instead of once as hitherto.
Cow-Houses.—These were found to be 31, kept by 28 cow
keepers, the number of Cows being 329. In 1871, the numbers
were 31, 26, and 367.
The most remarkable event, in a sanitary point of view, occuring
in the district during the year, was an outbreak of Typhoid Fever
in North Avenue. This is a broad, open, well-paved court, but
situated at a very low level. It contains 32 one-storey houses, and
280 inhabitants. Seventeen cases of Typhoid Fever are known to
have occurred there, with at least one death. This diffusion of
Fever seemed to arise from the existence of a communication
between the two underground water-tanks and the drains. The
houses are in fair order, except that the drains run very near the
surface in the wash-houses, and the closets which are in the washhouses
and so in the houses, are unprovided with water.