LESSONS FROM NEW YORK.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 180, 30 July 1913, Page 5

LESSONS FROM NEW YORK.

I Apropos of the epidemics in Auckland : sml Sydney, which have shown remark- ■ ably low death rates, it is interesting to quote the following from the monthly bulletin of the Department of Health. New York City, dated May.. 1913: — '"Smallpox, in the tirst decade of which we possess records, killed Oβ persons out of every 100.000 of the population in New York City. Until 1575, when 1,280 deaths were reported from thus cause, practically no preventive measures had been undertaken by the authorities, but the high mortality of that year stirred I the city officials to action and free vaccination by the Department of Health was then established and has been in constant operation ever since. In the decade 1874-18S3 smallpox caused the I death ol "247 out of every 100.000 of the ; population. During the decade just I elapsed less than one person out ot j every 100.000 of the population died from j this disease. Notwithstanding this eloI quent lesson on the necessity of the I thorough vaccination of communities, I there still esist _anti-vaccina.tionists who I pass fiery resolutions in their society J meetings and heap coirtumefy upon thie ! heads of officials -who are charged with I caring for the physical welfare of our I citizens."