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13
only, they were all effected without the intervention of the
law. In addition to which, all the slaughter-houses, the
cow-houses, and bake-houses, the latter for the first time,
were examined, and specially reported on. Much benefit
continues to be derived from the cleansing and limewhiting
the rooms of the poorer classes in which contagious
diseases have been present—a practice which cannot be
too fully enforced for the public good. In my last annual
report, and on several other occasions, attention has been
directed to the great public nuisance to the town arising
from the gipsey encampment, situated by the side of the
Alma Road. Nothing has been yet done for the suppression
of this great evil. As has been previously shown, these
people import contagious diseases into the Town; and,
contrary to the common impression, they suffer a high rate
of sickness and mortality ; half the deaths which resulted
from contagious diseases amongst the out-door poor during
the past year, took place amongst them ; and, indeed, their
mode of dwelling, alike so injurious to themselves and
others, is such as ought not to be permitted in a civilized
community. If the law be inoperative in the matter, it
would seem a strange anomaly that it should permit a large
number of human beings to herd together under conditions
which would not be allowed to the same number of swine,
or others of the lower animals.
By a reference to the sanitary proceedings contained in
the Table, it will be observed that they are of two kinds ;
some being of a more or less permanent character, such as
Drainage and Water-supply, while others are the reverse,
requiring, in consequence of the transient nature of their
effects, frequent renewal or repetition. These, although
not equalling the former in individual magnitude or
attractiveness, are equally important, and deserving a more
careful culture than, on account of their apparently trivial
nature, they usually receive; and, indeed, are such as in
the aggregate would, by their complete fulfilment or
otherwise, make all the difference between health and
sickness—life and death—should an epidemic unfortunately