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been most ably and zealously assisted by Mr. O'Brien, your Inspector
of Nuisances.
As an instructive illustration, and as a warning, I mention two instances
in which I have lately had officially to investigate the cause of
sudden death, and in both it was proved most clearly to have arisen
from eating bad fish.
In one the symptoms produced greatly resembled Cholera; this was
caused by a smoked haddock, and occurred in a hear ty, healthy, steady
young man of 25 years. The other was an elderly female who partook
of some fried fish, which was proved to have been stinking, but disguised
by the fatty covering to it—vomiting was brought on, and continued to
within a few minutes of her death.
Whooping Cough has been unusually fatal and severe with us—I
have on several occasions alluded to it. In the second week in January
no less than 5 deaths occurred from this cause. As I have before
stated, a very mistaken opinion prevails with the public, and
especially with the poorer classes, that medical treatment is unnecessary
in this disease. Nothing can be more mischievous than this
impression, and it is to this cause that a considerable proportion of
the deaths are owing. However, there is in all poor and crowded
districts a great need for open spaces, where children can enjoy, in
some degree, fresh air and exercise. I have often witnessed with
pain a child sitting on the curb stones and coughing over a gulley
hole. How can recovery be expected under such circumstances?
The almost inevitable crowding, too, at night, and in the same room
and bed, to which our papulation is from its nature compelled to submit,
tends to the aggravation and perpetuation of this very formidable
malady of childhood.
I must here express my opinion upon the great advantage that
would accrue to our district by the establishment of a steam boat
pier ; it would afford an outlet and a means for getting fresh air to a
large and crowded part of our parish, where it is much needed.
Measles has also been very severe and fatal with us. In the week
ending July 19th, no less than eight deaths occurred from it; altogether
in the 52 weeks 71 died from this cause, but of these no less
than 58 occurred in the last two weeks of June, and in July, August,
September and October.
From Scarlatina we have suffered severely; no less than 120 deaths
having been caused by this malignant and most infectious disease.
The decline of Measles took place at the latter part of October, and
it was then that Scarlatina broke out with renewed energy, and
it is somewhat remarkable that in the 3rd week in November, the
coldest on record for that period of the year, no less than 8 deaths
are registered from this cause.
Typhus has been fatal in 24 cases. The worst form of this disease
which I have witnessed for many years, occurred in Meridian Place,
where it was certainly fostered and propagated, by Overcrowding and
filth. It was a most fortunate circumstance that the sanitary condition
of this place, which a short time previous was very bad, had
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