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31
could they be abated or entirely removed, would greatly retard the approach
of this disease.
Diarrhæa, which in 1857 caused 83 and in 1856 62 deaths, has been
during this year much diminished, the number of deaths being only 30,
and nearly all these cases occurred in infants. This marked decrease I
trust has been in a great measure due to the continued better supply of
pure water to the parish, the average amount of organic impurity being
in the water supplied by each of the two companies only about 175 grs.
per gallon.
I am also aware that some of the superficial wells hitherto used for
potable purposes have been discontinued owing to the efforts made by
the Association of Medical Officers of Health to point out the many,
impurities which water obtained from such a source must, as I have
proved by analysis in my former report, necessarily contain in great
abundance, and although I have not thought it necessary in our suburban
district to recommend the forcible shutting up of these certain sources
of contaminated drinking water, as no case of cholera has occurred, I
still am glad to see the Vestry enunciating a great sanitary principle by
the erection of public drinking fountains, and would recommend their
formation in every available spot. I believe it, however, essential that
the water should be obtained cold, direct from the main, and not. supplied
from a cistern.