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into effect. In several instances delays arose in the removal of soiled bedding, &c.
for destruction; but no harm followed the delay when the articles had been soaked
with carbolic acid. On the other hand, where such previous disinfection was not
effected, either at the earlier stage of our operations, before our arrangements were
fully made, or from refusal of parties to allow of our interference, such second, and
even third and fourth cases did occur.
Special supply of Drinking Water.
On the third of August the Secretary of the New River Company intimated that
they were ready to give a continuous supply of water for drinking purposes during the
ensuing six months, in any places where it should be considered necessary. It was
referred to me to select the localities; and inexpensive standpipes were erected in the
two principal foci of epidemic eruption, namely, at each end of the Elder Walk, in
Waters Court, and in Madras Place, opposite Palmer Street. I have no doubt myself
that this supply of uncontaminated water assisted in lessening the extension of the
disease in these localities.
During the whole period of the epidemic, instructions were given to the inspectors
to pay special attention to the condition of the ordinary water receptacles in poor
localities; and in some instances, in order to save time, they were, in emergency,
cleansed and disinfected by our own workmen. I must say this, further, that the
poor people themselves, in many places, became impressed with the importance of this
precaution; and spontaneously set about cleansing them.
SANITARY WORK EFFECTED.
Table III. shows, in the customary form, the house amendments made with a
sanitary object during the year, under directions issued by the authority of the Sanitary
Committee. In the month of May two additional inspectors were permanently
appointed; and they did good service in preparing us for the advent of the epidemic,
which arrived here in July. On the 23rd of August, four more sanitary inspectors
were temporarily engaged by the Diseases Prevention Committee. The table shows
that a very large amount of work was got through. But, in addition, a good deal
was done, in the way of cleansing and lime-washing, respecting which no notices
whatever were served from our office.
The annual licencing of cow sheds and slaughter houses took place in October;
and, as usual, I viewed all those places myself. Licences were granted to 61
establishments for cows, and to 108 slaughter houses. The rule of requiring 1000
cubic feet of space, in cow sheds, for each animal was brought into operation this