View report page

45
13 by diptheria, and 69 by other zymotic diseases. 76 of the
153 deaths from whooping cough occurred to infants under
one year of age ; 50 of the 78 deaths from diarrhoea occurred
under one year. The influence of age is much more manifest;
—128 of the 153 deaths from whooping cough were in
infants under two years; and 61 of the 78 deaths from
diarrhoea occurred under two years of age. There were 6
deaths from small-pox, and the reports made to the Sanitary
Department show that the disease lingers in the parish, but
the cases are mostly of a very mild kind.
IMPROVEMENT OF DWELLINGS.—It is an old saying, and
physiological observation at the present day confirms it, that
human beings are as the surroundings affect them.
The matter and forces reflected from the structures standing
by evidently alter and color living beings accordingly,
like producing like. If the materials are enduring, stability
results; if decomposing and unreliable, the transmitted
influence and effect is similar. Therefore the welfare of
cities must largely depend on the dwellings of the inhabitants.
The Sanitary Authority in the past year have directed
much attention to the dwellings, and labored to make them
more helpful; and after inspecting much of the work done,
I have to report that the character of the improvements
is much more calculated to protect the health of the
inhabitants.
Inspector Alexander's report enumerates the improvements;
it shews that the purpose has been to secure greater
cleanliness, more light and air, more protection from cold and
damp, and from other injurious agents. The walls and ceilings
of 419 dwellings have been cleansed, repaired and whitewashed.
Yards and areas were cleansed and limewhited in
180 dwellings. Dust bins provided in 233 premises. Water