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certain districts. It is, therefore, more allied to enteric fever, which is
a very preventable disease, than to diseases of the class in which the
infection is very diffusible, such as influenza, measles, whooping cough,
and, in a lesser degree, scarlet fever; such diseases being but little
amenable to sanitary control. What the precise factors are that favour
the persistency of diphtheria in a district are not exactly known, but it
would appear probable that in London, at any rate, these are as much
concerned with social conditions (poverty and overcrowding) as with
strictly sanitary conditions.
THE WATER SUPPLY OF CHELSEA.
The quality of the water supplied to Chelsea in 1897 was up to
the average standard. The examinations of the Official Analyst for
the Local Government Board show that about 99'2 per cent, of the
bacteria present in the unfiltered water of the Thames at Hampton,
whi.h grow at ordinary temperatures of the air, are removed by
the processes of subsidence and filtration oarried out by the
Chelsea Water Works. The largest Dumber of microbes present in
a cubio centimetre of the Chelsea water at the general filter well was
441) on the sth April, and the smallest number 6 on the 13th April,
and again on the 26th October, the average for the year, excluding the
sth April, being 23.
Constant Supply. — The percentage of house supplies on the
constant system in the Chelsea Company's district was 90 at the end
of 1897, as against 82 at the end of 1896.
SPECIAL REPORTS.
During the past year I have had the honour to present special
reports on the undermentioned subjects for the consideration of the
Vestry : —
March 2nd.--Combined drainage in Chelsea sanctioned by the
Metropolitan Commissioners of Sewers.
March 30th.—The drainage of No. 5, Orford-street, and No. 1,
Leverett-street.
April 13th.—(1) The drainage of Nos. 397—415, Fulham-road (odd
Nos.). (2) The drainage of No. 340, King's-road.
April 27th.—(1) Combined drainage of Nos. 5, 7, 9, 11, Denyerstreet.
(2) The Chelsea Electricity Supply Company's Works.
May 25th.—(1) The sale of margarine as butter. (2) Nos. 397—415,
Fulham-road.
June 15th.—The Thames foreshore near Cremorne Tap.
July 6th.—(1) The Thames foreshore near Cremorne Tap. (2)
Analysis of drugs.
July 20th.—The Hans Crescent hotel.
July 27th.—Little Orford-street.