Public Health "in his report for September states that had it not been for prevailing conditions which accounted for the Cholera epidemic it was most probable that the Settlement would have escaped for yet another year.
Although the epidemic is now subsiding with the onset of cold weather as long as the refugee population remains undiminished, other diseases associated with over-crowding and of no less severity, are likely to make their appearance during the winter months. The intensive vaccination programme now in force is likely to restrict the incidence of smallpox but typhus fever is an eventuality which cannot be overlooked. Fortunately, this disease does not seem in the past to have found Shanghai suited to its biological requirements.
Whilst cholera reached its maximum about the middle of the month and thereafter declined, diphtheria on the other hand increased.
Milk Supply Due to the closing down of several dairies owing to the hostilities, there has been a decrease in the supply. It was not possible to visit dairies situated in the war areas, but a complete survey has been made of the temporary accommodation provided for animals evacuated. Some of these temporary premises naturally leave much to be desired but it would be a hardship on the owners were the Department's requirements too rigidly enforced at the present time. On the whole the Settlement's supply of fresh milk has been adequately and satisfactorily maintained.
All animals were completely evacuated from the abattoir at the beginning of the month and removed to safer quarters, consequent on the closing of the abattoir arrangé- ments were made with the Sing Nyung Hai and Soo Sih Pig Slaughterhouses for the use of their premises. Arrangements were made to keep the cold storage plant at work every day since August 30, all meat in the freezing rooms was in excellent condition but in the chilling rooms it was only possible to save a portion, large quantities having to be destroyed.
Market Business The major portion of the market business is now concentrated in markets in the Central and Western areas, though the North Fokien Road market is fully functioning and a small amount of business is being done in the Hongkew and Purdon Road markets. There has been a sufficient supply of foodstuffs of good quality but at increased prices. Fresh fish was somewhat scarce for a time but quantities of fresh-water fish and frozen fish from cold storage have now met the demand. Daily check was kept on all supplies of
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.