Page:Handbook of Western Australia.djvu/67

Although the returns given show that the climate is very healthful, yet it must be remembered that health does not depend on climatic influences solely, but equally, if not more especially, on die customs, habits, and manner of living of the people in any country. The healthfulness of the climate of West Australia is, no doubt, consequent on the dryness and elasticity of the atmosphere throughout the greater part of the year; but the cold southerly winds, which blow almost daily in summer, and with great strength on the South-West coast; and, on the other hand, the occasional hot easterly winds, must affect those who are by necessity exposed to them. In the outlying districts the diet of the people is confined within very narrow limits: meat and bread, often unleavened, are the common food; tea, drank frequently and in large quantities, the ordinary beverage; and, as a natural consequence, beer and spirits are largely consumed when opportunity is afforded. The nature of the occupation of, the colonists exposes many of them to accidents, and evil climatic influences; medical aid is often unattainable. The death rate is therefore larger than it might be, and some diseases result from the diet and habits of the people, which, under improved circumstances, will disappear. It is therefore no exaggeration, speaking generally, to say that the climate of West Australia is one of the most healthful in the world. From the tables given above it will appear that it varies less than, from the great extent of its surface, might be expected. It is also to be noted that the districts in which the personal labours of the white population are most necessary, are those most suited to European constitutions. In the North coast and the Murchison River, for instance, the stock-owners employ the natives as shepherds, and for other labour on their stations which they are well able to perform; but they are