M 87
Annexe R.
OFFICE OF THE HEALTH OFFICER OF THE PORT.
REPORT BY DR. G. P. JORDAN, Health Officer of the Port.
During the year the work of this department was carried on by Dr. Jordan, Dr. Keyt, Dr. Pierce Grove, and Dr. Lindsay Woods.
Dr. Pierce Grove returned to the Colony on August 1st, and Dr. Keyt went on 6 months leave on August 7th.
The work is described under three headings:
(a) Daily inspection of ships arriving in port. (b) The medical examination of emigrants. (c) Quarantine duty.
(a) - DAILY INSPECTION OF SHIPS ARRIVING IN PORT.
During the year 4,575 vessels arrived in port and were duly boarded and examined. The usual particulars of the voyage and sickness, if any, are recorded on the prescribed forms and attested by the Master or Surgeon of each vessel. The causes of deaths are also noted. Of the above number of vessels 1,940 were under the British flag and 2,635 under various foreign flags.
The river steamers from Canton and Macao are not included in the above figures, as such vessels are only boarded when an infectious disease is reported, or if those places are declared to be infected ports by the Hongkong Government.
(b) - THE MEDICAL EXAMINATION OF EMIGRANTS.
During the year the total number of emigrants examined was 59,969 of whom 222 were rejected on medical grounds. This shows a considerable increase in numbers as compared with last year when the total number examined was 43,830.
The total for this year is still considerably below the average and is largely to be accounted for because of the restrictions placed upon emigrants proceeding to the Straits Settlements, and also the considerable reduction in the number of ships carrying emigrants.
With the return of more ships and the removal of restrictions in the Straits Settlements a marked increase in the number of emigrants should be returned for 1920.
Table I shows the number of emigrants and crews passed and rejections.
Table II gives the monthly emigration figures and also of the crews.
Table III gives a list of the diseases which are accountable for the rejection of emigrants.