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26
I cannot conclude this part of my report without saying
a few words upon the invasion of this Sub-district by
Cholera and Diarrhœa during a portion of the past year.
I have already referred to the fact that the deaths due to
Diarrhœa (most of the cases of which were of a choleraic
character) were less numerous than in 1865. Of actual
Cholera, 4 persons are recorded as having died during
the year in this parish, 3 of the deaths being of children
under 10, and 1 of an adult between 40 and 60 years of
age. The number of cases of both Cholera and Choleraic
Diarrhoea treated, during the prevalence of the epidemic in
this Sub-district, was not perhaps so large as in some of
the previous cholera years; but there are recorded in the
Medical Relief Book, amongst the poor alone, the treatment
in 1866 of as many as 140 patients with Diarrhœa, and 31
with Cholera. I am pleased to report, however, that 5 only
of this class of patients died of both forms of the epidemic,
viz. 3 of Diarrhœa,, and 2 of Cholera. But for the prompt
and efficient organization of a staff of Medical Visitors, the
arrangements made for the treatment of bad cases, and the
numerous precautions taken to prevent the spread of the
infection, there is no reason to doubt but that the fears
engendered by the presence of the disease would have been
realized to a much greater extent than proved to be the
case.
I cannot suffer this opportunity to pass without expressing
my satisfaction at the energy displayed by the
able Surveyor of this Sub-district, as well as by the Sanitary
Inspectors who were employed to assist in carrying out
the Order in Council. There was indeed, an amount of
co-operation among all the officials concerned that greatly
added to the efficiency of the measures adopted, and my
especial thanks are due alike to all who were concerned
with me in carrying out these measures.
The question now is, would it not be a wise policy to be
fully and always prepared to do effective battle with such
a foe? My own opinion is that a thorough and well sustained
system of scavengering, and a good and constant
water supply are, of all the means in the power of the