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(1) Further antimalarial work is needed in the Colony but many of the cases are likely to have been imported from China.
(2) There is considerable doubt as to the accuracy of these figures as the disease is by no means easy to diagnose or differentiate.
(3) The total figure for Respiratory Diseases and Pulmonary Tuberculosis is 7,406. The climate and conditions of the Colony are most inimical to cure.
The deaths reported in the Coroners' Returns (Chinese only) are as follows, classified according to age and sex:-
Age Periods.
Males
Females
1 Under 2 years
2,329
2,613
2 Over 2 years
1,047
493
Totals
3,376
3,106
Suicides and Deaths from Accidents or Violence amounted to
(i) Chinese
(ii) Non-Chinese
289
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These figures include a very large proportion of dumped bodies, especially heavy among infants. This dangerous and revolting practice is hard to eradicate amongst an ignorant population.
There were 2 cases of human plague reported in 1929; one on 18th August and one on 2nd September, both being fatal.
Systematic rat catching was carried out throughout the year, the total number of rats and mice destroyed being 135,417, (Hong Kong 87,786, Kowloon 47,631). Of these 4 were reported from the mortuaries as Plague infected.
The routine work authorised under the by-laws for the Prevention of epidemic endemic and contagious or infectious disease was carried out throughout the year; 97,692 floors were cleansed in Hong Kong and 55,070 floors in Kowloon. Practically all premises were cleansed twice in the year, many were cleansed three times and a few four times. Systematic limewashing of all domestic premises within the areas specified which are occupied by the members of more than one family was similarly supervised, 29,785 floors being limewashed in Hong Kong and 19,202 in Kowloon.