1878 — Page 273

V —Tanum showing the Anwrestoma and MontaLITY in the flavonusnum One Warning

POLICE.

There is no proper provision for post-mortem examinations and inquests. The inspection of dead lodies and dissections have to be made in a room which is too small and badly arranged, and as there no separate dead house it not infrequently happens that while an examination is going on, there aro other bodies lying by in advanced stages of decomposition.

Inquests, instead of being conducted in a separate building, are held in the waiting room of the Hospital; an arrangement at once inconvenient to the Coroner and his Court, and detrimental to the well-being of the patients and good order of the Hospital.

There is no laundry in the establishment, and the bedding and clothing are sent to the Gaol to be washed.

The fire alarm bell for the western district has been placed in the Hospital compound, and though be convenient for the fire brigade, it cannot be otherwise than a source of discomfort and langer to the sick in Hospital.

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To a long list of imperfections may be added the want of a garden about the Hospital, where the atients might have the advantage of fresh air and change of scene.

On the 15th November, the Apothecary, Mr. A. A. BOTELHO, who had been ailing for some time, ras obliged to retire from the service. He had served the Government for twenty-three years, and was thoroughly able and trustworthy officer. Since Mr. BOTELHO'S retirement, the Steward, Mr. Senna, as performed the duties of Apothecary, pending the arrival of a qualified medical practitioner from England to take up the appointment.

With regard to the Hospital work, the Register for 1878 records 1,385 cases: 98 of these com- rising superficial wounds, 4 cases of dog bite, 2 of bites by men, and one of opium poisoning, were treated a the surgery and then dismissed: 19 of the others were brought in moribund from injury or disease, nd died shortly afterwards.

There were thus 1,268 patients admitted during the year who underwent treatment in the Hospi- al. Of this number 565 were l'olice, and the remaining 703 were made up of seamen, private resi- lents, destitutes, prisoners, members of the Chinese Customs and Revenue Services, and officers and seamen from foreign ships of war.

The number of admissions from the Police force was very large, being 147 more than last year. The increase took place during my absence, so I can only call attention to the fact. A reference to Table III. shows that the increase came principally from the Central Station, No. 7 and Aberdeen.

The causes of admission among the Police, were chiefly diarrhea, febrile attacks, bronchial catarrh and surgical injuries.

The total number of days spent in Hospital in 1878 by members of the Force was 4,162; in 1877 it was 3,391.

The admissions from foreign ships of war were three in number: two French and one American. Room is usually found for these cases in the Naval Hospital, but when that is full they are sent to the Civil Hospital.

Table V. shows the varieties of disease among the Patients generally, with the mortality from each. There is a considerable increase on the preceding year, in the number of cases registered as febricula, while diarrhea also appears to have been more prevalent.

Venereal disease sent a larger number of cases to Hospital, and contusions were more common. Fractures showed a slight increase.

Six cases of insanity were recorded: these were admitted into the Civil Hospital and after bservation four of them were consigned to the Lunatic Asylum.

The mortality was not large, only 50 deaths having taken place in Hospital, and of these 19 were Inoribund when admitted.

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It has, however, been before remarked that a small mortality is not a criterion of the severity of cases which have been under treatment in the Hospital; for many of the Chinese who have become the subjects of severe injury, are removed by their friends, and swell the lists of mortality in their ative places, instead of remaining in Hospital with a chance of recovery,

The number of dead bodies brought to the post-mortem Room by the Police was 118, two more than in 1877.

The receipts from paying patients during the year amounted to $1,494.95. In addition to this the Board of Trade paid into the Treasury for the treatment of merchant seamen the sum of $2,637.00 and Hospital stoppages for the Police amounted to $671.99.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient Servant.

C. J. WHARRY, M.D., Superintendent.