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6
Isolation
Hospital and
Cemetery.
Some of these matters have now been dealt with,
but we seem as far off as ever from getting an Isolation
Hospital and Cemetery. Certainly our death rate is
growing less and less, but we cannot expect to be able
to do without the latter for some time yet.
Mumps and
Influenza.
In the latter part of the year Mumps, in a severe
form, and Influenza were very prevalent. So many
children were affected with the former that I felt it my
duty to advise a thorough disinfecting of the Board
Schools during the Christmas Holidays. This was
done under the supervision of the Sanitary Inspector,
and proved a long and troublesome process on account
of the number and size of the rooms. I have not heard
of any fresh cases of the disease since.
Summary of
Sanitary Work
of 1897.
In summarising the Sanitary work of 1897, 1
think satisfactory progress has been made. We have,
firstly, and most important, a very satisfactory death
rate; less infectious illness, and when occurring
promptly isolated and prevented from spreading; a
falling off of infant mortality; drainage of new houses
thoroughly tested; roads better kept and house refuse
regularly carted away; water supply systematically
tested; sewers better ventilated; Dairies, Cowsheds,
&c., brought under more efficient control.
Appended are the statistics of deaths during the
year, and of population, births, and new cases of
Infectious Diseases, classified according to disease and
ages; and also report from Sanitary Inspector of
work carried out by him,
I have received most efficient help from Mr.
Wyand in all matters relating to his position as
Sanitary Inspector, and beg to thank the Council for
their assistance and support in carrying out my duties.
I am, Gentlemen,
Yours very faithfully,
GEORGE HY. BUTLER,
Medical Officer of Health.