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16
its appearance, and the mortality was consequently comparatively
decreased : and why ?
During the interval various sanitary measures had been carried
out in those localities; cesspools had been filled up; sewers had
been made where none existed before; houses had been consequently drained that were previously in a foul condition; and the
water companies had changed their source of supply. The like
observations will apply to Scarlatina, Measles, Fever, and other
Epidemics, and in all districts.
The time, I trust, is not for distant when the sanitary improvements of this District will be more complete, and when I shall be
able to point out to you, that although Epidemics prevail, they do.
not destroy so large a number of the inhabitants.
As I have before observed, Scarlatina proved fatal in 92 cases
during the year of 1858; Measles in 66; Hooping-cough in 50;
Diarrhoea in 25; Fever in 90; and 754 Deaths were referred to
Heart and Chest Affections: and I would here remark that this
prevalence of Epidemics, that this increased mortality, is not the
result of mere accident. It is due to some morbific agent; to some
pestilential effluvia; to some specific influence which exists in the
streets; which exists in the very houses in which we live, and in
the atmosphere we breathe.
It was in consequence of such prevalence of disease that I pointed
out the necessity for a house to house visitation, and I cannot but
still deplore the decision arrived at by your Board in respect to the
proposition recommended by the Sanitary Committee for the more
effectual inspection and supervision, more particularly of the poorer
parts of the District: and I would even now again urge upon you
the necessity of making some provision whereby, in the absence of
the complete sewerage and drainage of the District, such a necessary and beneficial operation can be carried into effect; and that
the Sanitary Committee should be again empowered to devise
some plans for the purpose, to be submitted to the Board for
consideration and adoption.
Having drawn your attention to the large amount of deaths
arising from Epidemic Disease, I would next make some observations
on some of the more powerful causes of disease and death