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9
The drainage of the house which proved to be defective was reconstructed,
and such pressure was brought to bear upon the father, that
ultimately he consented to close his shop until the place could be
disinfected.
I ought to have mentioned that recently a number of cases of Scarlet
Fever occured in the Tower of London, which although extra parochial, so
far as rates are concerned, may exercise considerable influence upon the
South portion of the District. In each case, when requested by the
Surgeon-Captain to do so, I arranged for the removal and disinfection of
the bedding used by the patient.
More than once your Board have been invited by other Authorities to
pass a resolution in favour of the notification of Measles, as an infectious
disease—but after a careful consideration of the matter, and after having
read the opinions of other Medical Officers of Health, I have advised that
the time has not yet arrived when such notification would be of much
service. The question is one of the greatest importance, and demands
more than local action. Nearly 4,000 deaths were attributed to Measles
in the Metropolis during the year, and we have to deplore the loss of 45
children from the disease in our own District during the same period.
The annual average of deaths for 10 years from Diarrhoea amounted
to 54. Last year 37 deaths were registered from the disease. This
naturally recalls the agitation which took place during the summer in the
East of London, on account of the short supply of water which was
afforded by the East London Water Company. Undoubtedly the supply of
pure water in the District should be sufficient for all purposes. The
curtailment of supply can only be attended by risk to the health and
comfort of the people. I look in vain, however, for any evidence to prove
damage to health by reason of our limited supply for so long a period. A
Committee of your Board waited upon the Directors of the East London
Water Company. Everything which could be done to mitigate the evil was
promised by the Directors and by their Officers. Stand-pipes were erected
in the most desirable places, and a supply of well-corked stone bottles were
sent to the office to be distributed among the people where necessary.
The drought suddenly came to an end, and during the six or seven weeks
following, something like one-third of the year's rainfall took place. The
fact remains that provision for the storage of water in East London has
not kept pace with the increase of population, and future droughts may,
and probably will, be attended by more than inconvenience to the
inhabitants of the ill-served area. I notice that a Bill has been deposited
for next session by the East London Water Company, by which it is
proposed to obtain powers to construct two large storage reservoirs. In
the aggregate over 90 acres of ground will be acquired by the Company at
Tottenham and Chingford. It is calculated that seven years will be
required to complete the works, but in the meantime the Company seek
for powers to agree with existing water companies for the use of their
works, or the supply of water by them. For the purposes of this Act,
power is sought to raise £500,000.
It will be seen that Wliooping-Cough was responsible for about an
average number of deaths, and that only G deaths were registered as being
due to Influenza.
The disinfecting apparatus has given satisfaction, and has been of great
service during the year. It has been the practice for some years partially,
and during the past year entirely, to wash with Perchloride of Mercury
solution, the interior of rooms where Small-pox or Scarlet Fever have
occurred. This system has been added to the former plan of fumigation
with Sulphur. From my experience, I think the innovation is valuable,
and it will be continued.