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avoided, and the use of surface wells (at all times dangerous and objectionable'
has as far as possible been limited, during Ihe Cholera season, to purposes only o
a domestic character.
These temporary arrangements have now been suspended, in the hope thai
the necessity for their existence has passed away, but with such a subtle enemy as
Cholera it is well to look ahead, and be prepared at any moment to re-establisl:
them should it threaten a re-appeavance. The effects of early treatment, eves
in ordinary Diarrhoea, have been most marked, for although a very large number
of cases have been dealt with, the mortality of the parish from this cause has
been almost nominal.
To the Medical Visitors, Messrs. McLeod, Walls, and Barnes, I am much
indebted, for their prompt and considerate co-operation, whilst I have largely
availed myself of the services of my son, Dr. F. J. Burge, in carrying out my
special duties.
The kind and generous assistance of your Committee has also been of most
material service to me in the execution of my responsible and onerous task, anil
I can only hope that my own exertions to keep in check this formidable disease
have been such as to ensure your cordial approval.
I have the honour to be, Gentlemen,
Your faithful Servant,
FREDERICK J. BURGE,
Medical Officer of Health.
Hammersmith,
Nov. 5th, 1866.
TO THE SANITARY COMMITTEE, BOARD OF WORKS,
FULIIAM DISTRICT.
'HAMMERSMITH PARISH.
Gentlemen,
In compliance with your request, I beg to lay before you the various
accounts, under the head of Cholera Expenses, incurred daring the late visitation
of Cholera in this Parish; together with a report of the proceedings taken to
check the progress of that disease, under the Resolutions of the Board of July
30th ult. I
It will be within the remembrance of your Committee, that early in the
month of July last, cases of a suspicious character arose in Hammersmith, followed
by others of a more ominous description about the middle of the month. It was,
however, on the 2nd of August that the disease appeared in an unmistakeable
form, aud then I felt it my duty to take all the precautions and active proceedings
which I was empowered to carry into effect by the above Resolutions,
accordingly forthwith appointed Mr. Alderson (whose services I had required
during the night) to the Medical charge of the Town District; and, subsequently
Messrs. Barnes, Bannister, and Tenison were placed in Medical charge of
other portions of the Parish. Dr. Bannister having shortly after resigned, Mr.
Fennings was appointed in his stead. The various salaries apportioned to these
gentlemen appear in the accounts before you. From these you will perceive that
the Medical arrangements have been carried out with a strict regard to economy
and efficiency. A staff of Dispensing Chemists were also appointed in the most
convenient localities, whose accounts I also herewith present. Arrangements were
also made for the speedy interment of the dead from Cholera, and the prompt
destruction or disinfection of infected clothes and bedding.
An ample supply of Disinfectants, (Carbolic Acid, and Condy's Fluid, &c. &c.',)
have been provided, and the public sewers as well as private drains have been
freely deodorised therewith.