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37
The readiners with which the Foard's requirements are met
is conclusively shewn by the fact that in but 24 instances was
it necessary to serve second notices preparatory to enforcing
by magisterial aid the execution of necessary works.
Ultimately six cases were taken into Court and peremptory
orders obtained in every instance.
A large amount of disinfection after Small-pox, Fever and
other Zymotic diseases was performed under my instructions
during the year, with the result that in no case did disease
recur; adding to the confidence I have always felt in the
method of disinfection adopted in the sub-district, namely
the production of sulphurous acid gas by burning sulphur in
the apartment after it has been properly prepared by stopping
up all crevices and apertures, thus making it air-tight as
possible, and leaving in the room all bedding and clothing in
use during the continuance of the zymotic disease. In no
case has either an apartment, furniture, or clothing so treated,
been the means of spreading contagious disease subsequently.
It will be observed that a large number of defects were
found to exist in house drains, which have in too many cases
been detected only after the occurrence of zymotic disease,
and which but for defects of this character would probably be
much diminished, as infectious diseases such as Enteric
Fever and Diphtheria are generally contracted from defective
drains permitting the escape of sewage gas, or from
impure water. With reference to the latter source of danger
it is shewn that many cisterns have been repaired, covered
or cleansed. It has been the practice to insist on the closing
of wells when the water therefrom has been proved by
analysis to contain an excessive amount of organic matter,
the use of water derived from wells polluted by having some
connexion with cesspools constituting a frequent cause of
disease and loss of life in former years, nearly all of which is
now averted by the adoption of the modern system of water
supply and more perfect drainage.