1
296
RELATIVE MORTALITY IN THE DIFFERENT SEASONS.
From the following table it will be seen that the months of May and June were the most fatal, the cause of this mortality was the greater prevalence of plague during these months.
1899.
POPULATION :-NON-CHINESE 15,820. CHINESE 243,490.
DEATHS.
Month.
Non- Chinese.
Rate per 1,000. Chinese.
Rate per 1,000.
Total Deaths.
Total Deaths excluding Plague and Smallpox.
January,
18
304
322
320
February,
20
12.13
347
16.78
367
359
March,
10
371
381
351
April,
55
16
429
445
344
May,
22
17.44
808
34.21
830
428
June,
31
846
877
402
July,..
29
396
625
345
August,
September,
October,
November,
December,
16
17.44
457
24.67
473
378
22
24
449
473
415
15
432
447
445
13
13.90
440
21.89
153
419
27
461
488
476
Total,..
241
5.940
6,181
4,712
GENERAL SANITARY CONDITION OF THE COLONY.
The presence of plague in an epidemic form again this year shows that much more radical measures must be taken if it is intended that we are to rid the Colony of this fell disease.
The Public Health Ordinance of 1887 and The Closed Houses and Insanitary Dwellings Ordinance of 1894, have only applied to buildings erected since the passing of these Ordinances and hence were not retrospective in their action.
The Legislature realising this has introduced and passed The Insanitary Properties Ordinance, 1899. The object of this Bill is to improve the sanitation of the houses in this Colony by the com- pulsory provision of open spaces at the rear of every building in this Colony.
It contains most important regulations limiting cubicles and partitions, it forbids cubicles or partitions in houses fronting streets of a width of less than 15 feet except on the top floor, no cubicles or partitions will be permitted in any kitchen, it limits the height of cubicles, etc., etc.
There are also provisions for securing the free circulation of air under and over cubicles.
The height of buildings erected after the passing of this Ordinance is limited according to the width of the street upon which such building abuts.
The most important regulations are those which insist on the provision of open spaces in the rear of all domestic buildings, these will practically do away with back-to-back houses.
Practically this Bill will further the better sanitation of this Colony by doing away with back-to- back houses and by the provision of more light and ventilation to the Chinese dwellings.
It is unfortunate that the habits aud manner of living of the Chinese necessitate the existence of cubicles in domestic buildings, however the provisions of this Ordinance will go far to render these domestic buildings more healthy in every way in the future.
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