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82
A verdict, "Died in a fit," is vague enough, as is also
that of "Spasm of the Chest;" for, seeing that "a fit"
might take place as a consequence of very foul play in
some instances, and that "Spasm of the Chest'' might
close the scene of many a secret poisoning or other unnatural
or criminal act, the question will very naturally
arise, "Do such enquiries, confined as they frequently are
to little more than a glance at a dead body by the jury,
and often without Medical evidence of any kind, really
give the public any security ?
Sanitary Work performed during the Year.—The
cow-houses in the Sub-district (7) and the slaughter-houses
(6) underwent the same supervision during the past year
as they always have been subjected to, with the result of
a renewal of licence in each case to their proprietors.
Whether the new regulations in respect to slaughterhouses,
&c., will have the expected effect of greatly improving
the sanitary condition of these places remains to
be seen; but, doubtless, any additions to the existing
numbers being contemplated in populous districts, very
proper restrictions will be imposed as to site, and very
stringent regulations insisted upon to prevent any annoyance
to the public that might arise from them. Table VI.
in the Appendix, if studied and compared with those
which have appeared in previous reports, will obviate the
necessity of dwelling at any great length upon what has
been accomplished in the way of general sanitation. The
completion of 1,110 feet of new sewers and branch drains
during the past year must have added considerably to the
efficiency of the system already in full operation in this
Parish.
I can only add, in reference to this important matter,
that I trust further efforts will be made to improve the
ventilation of the sewers generally, as also to secure, if it
be possible, more effective means than at present exist, of
carrying off the storm waters that occasionally do such