DYSENTERY.
84. The tendency shown in previous years for amoebic dysentery to supercede bacillary dysentery as the most frequent type of infection was not continued. Figures for 1950 being 177 cases and 10 deaths from amoebic dysentery and 268 cases with 15 deaths from bacillary dysentery.
TUBERCULOSIS.
86. The second most important cause of death was tuberculosis in all forms. 9,067 cases (85% pulmonary) with 3,263 deaths reported in 1950 as against 7,610 cases, and 2,611 deaths, in 1949. The death notification rate was approximately the same in each year, 35.9 în 1950 and 34.8 in 1949.
86. The deaths in acute formos in children under 5 amount to just over one quarter of the total.
87. A full report on the tuberculosis service will be found in Annexure G.
IV. HYGIENE AND SANITATION.
(a) Organization.
(1) GENERAL MEASURES.
88. Under the administration of the Urban Council, Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, including New Kowloon, are divided into five main Health districts-three in Hong Kong and two in Kowloon-each under the charge of a Health Officer and a Senior Health Inspector. Each dis- trict is sub-divided into easily worked units of about 1,500 floors under the charge of a Health luspector. Liaison between these districts and sections is made through a Chief Health Inspector and Superintendent of Sanitary Services. Technical advice is given by the Deputy Director of Health Services. There are now 62 health districts, 37 in Hong Kong and 26 in Kowloon.
89. Each inspector is responsible for the general hygiene in his dis- trict and includes inspection of premises and investigation of nuisances. He is responsible for the investigation of infectious diseases and dis- îniection.
90. In addition to district duties other inspectors are employed on the hygiene of dairies, sampling, the control of wet cultivation, hawker control, markets and slaughter-houses, meat and food inspection, and con- trol of cemeteries.
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91. Medical and health problems arising from work in the urban area are referred to the Director of Medical and Health Services.
(b) Sanitation,
92. A Chief Health Inspector, under the Superintendent of Sanitary Services, controls sanitation, including conservancy and refuse disposal. He also controls markets, slaughter-houses, cemeteries and squatters.
93. The Colony has two systems of nightsoil disposal: (a) a water- carriage system, the sewers of which flow directly into the harbour of Victoria, (b) bucket conservancy which is forced on the Colony through several factors, such as old type houses, water scarcity, and certain areas which are restricted from water-carriage on account of such local reasons as typhoon shelters which prevent the cleansing action of the sea.
94. In Kowloon a two pail conservancy system, serving about 320 houses, has been started as a pilot scheme to improve conditions. It is hoped this will permit removal by day instead of night, without nuisance. After a little over a year's trial, it promises well. The cost of materiala may hold up the introduction of the scheme on a large scale.
95. Normally disposal of nightsoil is twofold. Part is dumped at sea and part goes to maturing tanks în the New Territories. During the year the need for fresh vegetables led to a demand by the farmers for raw nightsoil as fertiliser. In view of the urgency of an adequate supply of vegetables it was decided to accept the risk of intestinal bacterial infection and the request was allowed. The raw nightsoil was delivered at Tsun Wan and from thence distributed by lorry, in bucketa, specially made, and in closed tanks, to depots all over the Territories. Vegetable production increased rapidly. There were, however, many disadvantages from fly nuisance and smell. In August of 1950 this distribution of raw nightsoil was stopped on account of the outbreak of typhoid. The old system of maturing nightsoil for 28 days was started again, and whilst this has little effect on helminthic disease, bacterial infection is less likely.
96. Meanwhile, a small pilot scheme in the making of compost with nightsoil and refuse is in being. A large and ambitious scheme for this purpose is being planned, and an expert is expected from the United Kingdom in the very near future.
(c) Housing.
97. Building goes on apace, but is mostly of the more expensive type. Only a few areas now remain as evidence of bombing during the Pacific War. Many new districts have been developed such as Shougan Hill, King's Road, and other outlying districts. Great numbers of semi-
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