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The deaths from consumption number 4 only as
compared with 9 in 1903. None of these cases were
certified to the Medical Officer of Health. The need
for thorough disinfection of rooms, utensils, clothes,
etc., that have been used by persons suffering from this
disease is very great, and the Sanitary Inspector will
undertake this in any case that is reported. Fortunately
the knowledge of the infectious natu re and
danger of the expectoration in these cases is widely spread
amongst the public, but no opportunities of impressing
this fact again and again upon the minds of the people
should be lost. Perhaps it is not generally recognised
that overcrowding, defective sanitation, and damp, dark,
stuffy, dirty houses are predisposing causes, and conversely
that good sanitation, with dry, light, airy and
cleanly houses, excellent means for repelling its attacks.
INFANT MORTALITY.
The deaths of infants under one year of age number
30, giving an infant mortality rate of 113.2, which is
rather higher than that of the previous year, and is
attributable to an epidemic of zymotic diarrhoea in July,
August and September, and also to the number of premature
births registered. The wet summer of 1903, by
its effect in keeping drains, sewers and roads well flushed
and thus preventing to a great extent the distribution of
diseased germs through the air to be absorbed and
to contaminate food and water had great influence in
preventing any serious outbreak of this complaint during
that season. It also points a moral for future guidance.
There has, however, been a gradual but satisfactory fall
in this rate which 9 years ago stood at 163.0 per 1000
births. This seems to point to more knowledge and
care on the part of those responsible for the bringing
up of young children.
ZYMOTIC DISEASES.
There were 10 deaths from zymotic diseases, giving
a zymotic death-rate of 1.07 per 1000 living. There was
no death from any of the notifiable Infectious Diseases,
though the number included 22 of scarlet fever, 1 of
small-pox, and 5 of diphtheria.