16 ANNIVERSARY ADDRESS. 



working out the present life conditions of the earth : but I may 

 say that there is no one of us but should feel a personal interest 

 in the results of their labours, which so deeply concern the well- 

 being of mankind. There is evidence patent to us all, even to 

 the unprofessional, of the good progress and achievements of 

 Medical and Sanitary Science. 



The Microscopical discoveries that have been made as to the 

 cause of many of the most malignant diseases, have revealed 

 conditions which may be applied for the prevention, and to some 

 extent, the cure of disease. Science and practise, by united effort, 

 are fast reforming the sanitary conditions of onr modes of living. 

 This is apparent, for in the adoption of remedial measures the death 

 rate in large communities has been reduced considerably. Take 

 for instance London, which for its immense population, is one of 

 the healthiest cities in the old world. Facts are eloquent pleaders. 

 According to the reference in the Annual Report for 1887 of our 

 Government Statistician Mr. T. A. Coghlan, the average death 

 rate of London has since 1871 been reduced from 24-4 per thousand 

 to about 21 "5 per thousand, representing an annual saving of 

 12,000 lives, and a proportionate increase in the length of life to 

 the living. This improvement is attributed to the carrying out 

 of a complete system of sewerage, joined to an efficient water supply. 

 In the same valuable report we are informed that comparing the- 

 second with the first half of the period which has elapsed since 

 1870, the death rate of the city of Sydney has improved about 

 4*5 per thousand, representing a saving of 600 lives each year, 

 while the suburban rate has advanced nearly 4 per thousand, 

 representing a loss of 800 lives during each year as estimated on 

 the population of 1887. And this deplorable aspect of the state 

 of public health in some of the suburbs, attributable to the absence 

 of efficient sewerage and water supply, is intensified when we are 

 told that the infantile mortality was 51*27 per cent., or more than 

 half the total deaths, and largely preventable — the result of neglect 

 and of ignorance. Who will come forward and help to stay this 

 modern Herodian slaughter of the innocents 1 Well may Mr. 

 Coghlan remark that the high rate of deaths from preventable 



