HKG-CAR1844-1886 — Page 244

1841-1886

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REPORTS EXHIBITING THE PAST AND PRESENT

and the liver, the former of which is almost invariably more or less affected, and that after comparatively mild attacks of the primary disease; under such circumstances, no perfect recovery can be expected while the patient remains in the colony.

Hepatic Affections

Have been of a much milder character than last year, and not so prone to run into abscesses.

Bowel Affections

Are extremely common in this climate, and, however mild at first, soon assume a most tedious and intractable character. Dysentery, acute and chronic, has in some instances resulted fatally, but the total number and proportionate mortality have been under the annual average. Nothing but change of climate, and that immediate, holds out any hope of restoring the patient's health; but this being in most instances impracticable, the obvious consequence is a large mortality from the disease. Diarrhea has been very prevalent. Stomatitis has in many instances accompanied it, and been frequent as a separate disease. The chlorate of potash combined with vegetable tonics has invariably cured it.

Pulmonary Affections,

Though not frequent, are still to be met with. This climate, from the frequent and sudden changes of temperature which take place during the cold season, often within a few hours, and the vast disparity between the general temperature of summer and winter, is particularly ill-fitted for persons with any tendency to disease of the lungs, and fatal to those in which it actually exists.

Rheumatism

In the acute form has also prevailed. Speedy relief has generally been obtained by the local application of leeching, and large doses of the iodide of potassium internally.

The juvenile portion of the community, hitherto almost entirely exempt from the prevailing diseases, has suffered to an unusual extent from fever and, one of its most painful and trying sequela, boils, the irritation and pain of which are sufficient to test the equanimity of the most stoical. They have also suffered much from intestinal worms and diseases directly produced by the irritation of these parasites in the alimentary canal. On the whole the amount of sickness and mortality may be considered under that of last year. During the hot season, although it set in with much illness, and the range of the thermometer in July was higher than has been noticed for several years, yet no unusual mortality resulted. The increase of sickness during the last three months of the year has been undoubtedly owing to the high range of temperature at mid-day, with the absence of rain.

Small Pox.

The frequent occurrence of epidemics of small pox is a matter urgently calling for the interference of Government. This scourge has again appeared in the island, caused not by any sporadic or isolated cases of the disease, but by the obstinate adherence of the Chinese so-called medical practitioners to inoculation. Of the value of vaccination as a preventative, it is needless for me to urge anything in support. The application of the law of England to this island, prohibiting inoculation of small pox matter under a penalty, would soon put an end to those outbreaks of a pestilence, so dangerous to the whole community, European and native.

Venereal Affection

Is here of frequent occurrence, and often of a most virulent character. To check the disease in this colony some prophylactic measure is essentially required; but knowing as I do that the present active and zealous Acting Attorney General is preparing a special ordinance on the subject, I lay therefore this important sanitary improvement in his able hands.

Having now given a short summary of the chief diseases of the colony, I shall advert to topics which I consider to be of very great and vital importance, namely, sewerage, drainage, ventilation, and cleanliness; and I do so the more particularly from the very great influx of Chinese, and consequent increase of buildings.

Having carefully examined the streets, lanes, and several of the dwellings of the poorer classes (natives) in Victoria, with a view to sanitary improvement, I beg to submit the following remarks; however, before so doing, I must express my regret that Hong Kong should present so much filth and so many nuisances, the more especially as its site is in many respects well adapted for drainage and sewerage. In carrying out my assertions, it will be only necessary for me to report on the Taipingshan district. The lanes (certainly not streets) are in a most objectionable state, containing almost invariably cowsheds, pigsties, stagnant pools, the receptacles of every kind of filth, all which nuisances have remained, unheeded for a considerable time. In this district are two large open