Diseases of the respiratory group showed an increase over September, whilst those of the alimentary group decreased. Cholera, although still epidemic, diminished rapidly' as the colder weather set in. 53 deaths amongst Chinese were recorded during the month, Typhoid and paratyphoid were still epidemic, the in-cadence remaining high amongst the foreign population, 68 foreign cases being notified of which 63 were Japanese. Deaths amongst foreigners from these diseases were, however, lower, seven being recorded as against {en in September. Malaria increased over last' month, 118 eases being notified as against 86 in September; 71 were from the Western area. Three deaths occurred amongst Chinese. Smallpox, which produced some sporadic cases throughout the summer, was more prevalent during the month, one Japanese and 49 Chinese cases being notified. There were 23 deaths amongst Chinese. Of the 50 cases reported, only 14 had ever been vaccinated "(11 of these had, never been vaccinated sine infancy).
Hospitals Division, 'The outstanding feature of the month was the continued drop in the admission rate of cholera and choler-ale diarrhars, The pressure on accommodation' in the hospitals for infectious diseases subsided and towards the end of the month it was to the close us" opened during the epidemic, This was a welcome order to hospital staff who found nursing under such conditions a hardship, more especially durin the cold nights which were experienced during the middle of the month, "Measures are being taken to convert one or two of these matsheds into buildings suitable for the nursing of cases, should winter epidemics supervene. Already a marked me ferease in. scarlatina and diphtheria has "been noticed; also suflcient smallpox cases were admitted to occupy. three hospital wards. The medical work of the gaol followed, the usual routine and similarly, work in the Police Hospital showed nothing. of especial interest. The mental cases show little appreciable change condition but most tubercular! eases in the temporary sanatorium show improvement.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.