498 Transactions.— Miscellaneous. 
Other diseases, as beriberi, pellagra, cholera, yellow fever, starvation 
fever, have not yet shown themselves. True dysentery is, like ague, im- 
ported in the person of the sufferer and is not acquired in the colony. 
The only epidemic diseases which trouble us are scarlet fever, typhoid, 
measles, diphtheria, croup, whooping-cough andinfluenza. Of these, scarlet 
fever epidemics are usually mild. Diphtheria is very common and fatal, as 
elsewhere. Typhoid, sometimes recognized and very often not, goes by 
many names, e.g., colonial fever, low fever, gastric or bilious fever, blood 
poisoning, swamp fever, etc., It is a pity that this disease is not called by the 
graphic name “‘ filth " fever. It spreads so much because New Zealand 
colonists have scant objection to drinking diluted sewage or having reeking 
cesspits either directly under or close to their houses. Of this disease no 
more need be said; deaths and illness from it should not be charged against 
the climate or soil, but rather to the folly of the people. 
Chest diseases. —Of all our diseases, phthisis is the worst, the most deadly. 
It is more prevalent and severe in the cold wet south than in the drier 
hotter north. Phthisical immigrants, whether in the north or south, in- 
variably receive great benefit, and many are perfectly cured. As the 
immense majority of these immigrants come from Great Britain they find 
the elimate most mild and soothing. Their coughs grow easier and less 
frequent; they gain weight and strength, and even those who are not cured 
almost invariably have their lives much prolonged. 
The deaths from phthisis are high, partly because British physicians 
Strongly recommend these patients to try our climate ; but as against this 
increase we must put on record the fact that thousands of people were 
imported at public expense and from these many thousands all phthisies 
were excluded. 
Among the New Zealand born, however, phthisis is rife and very fatal. 
Young colonists when attacked nearly always die. 
Cardiac affections appear in the same proportions as in Great Britain. 
Liver affections, so prevalent in tropical climates, are here unknown. 
The commonest form of liver disease is cirrhosis arising from abuse of 
alcohol. 
Nervous disorders.—All forms exist except perhaps two or three of the 
rarer kinds. Insanity prevails largely ; but statistics are not trustworthy, 
because the unfortunate practice long prevailed in this colony of sending to 
the asylums all persons suffering from delirium tremens, a class of cases 
which at home are treated in hospitals. 
Parasites.—None peculiar to the colony have been observed. All have 
been imported. It is doubtful if the tapeworm has gained a hold on the 
colony. Like hydatid it is probably brought hither in the person of the 
