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system of scavengering, are unquestionably amongst the
most important and necessary measures that will have yet
to be carried out before the Sub-district can be pronounced
in so thoroughly a protected state as all ratepayers must
necessarily desire to see it.
Upon the important subject of water supply the following
remarks, published by the Metropolitan Association of
Medical Officers of Health, in a pamphlet developing their
proposal for "united action in the event of an epidemic of
Cholera," are deserving of attention. As a member of the
Association I need hardly say that I fully endorse these
views; the more so, as they entirely bear out the remarks
which my colleagues and myself have, from time to time
ventured to make upon the question. (See "Supplemental
Remarks"page 54, Appendix).
"All experience shows that water is a most common and most dangerous
vehicle of cholera, and that it may actually convey the discharges
of the sick to the stomachs of the population. Should cholera be imported
into any of those towns and villages which drain into the upper
Thames, there can be no doubt that London would be in great danger.
Hence it will be expedient, as regards the supply of water—
"1. To communicate with the water companies, urging them to make
sure that no water is delivered into their mains which has not undergone
filtration; to take double care in delivering their water clear, for
it has been shown that the organic sediment is the most dangerous part of
foul water; and to have their filtering beds thoroughly washed and
cleansed from organic matter.
" So much for the quality of the water. Next as to quantity.
"2. A daily supply should be given to the courts inhabited by the
poor, guarded by a ' water-waste preventer.'
"3. A supply on Sundays is absolutely necessary, for the greater
washing and cooking on Sunday mornings, when working men are at
their own homes.
"4. As regards Storage or Water.—The public must be cautioned
as to the condition of their water receptacles, which should be thoroughly
cleansed. Drinking water ought not to be taken from butts or cisterns
connected with water-closets.
"5. All surface wells should be absolutely closed for drinking purposes."
Again, as to removal of dust and general scavengering,
the recommendations of the Association are given in the
following terms:—
"In anticipation of a cholera outbreak, contracts made with dustmen
and scavengers should provide for the more frequent removal of house
refuse, and for the more efficient cleansing of streets. All refuse, dust,