M 38.-
117. 266 cases were reported of which 136 proved fatal, as compared with 162 with 82 deaths in 1934.
Enteric.
118. Cases of this disease are notified throughout the year, but there is usually some increase in the number reported during the summer months. The cases are usually sporadic and the source of infection is seldom discovered. 319 cases were notified with 95 deaths as compared with 212 in 1934 with 65 deaths.
Leprosy.
119. Though leprosy is a notifiable disease very few cases are notified. The number of lepers in the Colony is not known but assuming that the incidence rate is the same as that of the neighbouring countries the total number cannot be less than 500 and may approach 1,000. To many, these figures will appear to be exaggerations, nevertheless they are accepted by all who are authorities on the subject and have taken the trouble to make the necessary enquiries.
120. The factors geographical, physical, political and commercial which render impractical quarantine measures against the River Ports have also an important bearing on the leprosy problem. Under the circumstances prevailing it is impossible to put into operation here certain measures adopted by other countries for the control of the disease.
121. Considering the great movements of population and the fact that the majority of the population of Hong Kong are Chinese subjects whose movements are practically unrestricted and who can cross and recross the border without hindrance the control of leprosy presents peculiar difficulties.
122. How to deal justly with the afflicted who are already within our borders and at the same time avoid any risk of attracting sufferers from neighbouring provinces who may become a burden on the rates is a problem which has exercised the minds of many and one which is most difficult to solve satisfactorily.
123. Before 1910 there was no law with regard to lepers. In that year the Lepers Ordinance was passed with the object of controlling the situation through the segregation of lepers who were British subjects and the expulsion of others. The Government was given the sole right of providing a refuge for the afflicted and it was made an offence for any one to harbour a leper.
124. No asylum or refuge was built and the net result of the 1910 act was to make the position worse than it was before. Under the law, except in the case of the man rich enough to provide for himself in his own domain sufficient isolation, no treatment by a private practitioner or treatment as an outpatient