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21
In all previous epidemics, Cholera has attacked London for two years in
succession; and from this circumstance many persons believe that a second outbreak
may be anticipated during the coming Autumn.
I do not wish to give any opinion on this point, nor is it necessary that we
should know what is coming, in order to determine what is our duty.
It is clearly imperative that all sanitary precautions should be maintained,
especially that the sewers should be well flushed and deodorized, and that the
dustmen and scavengers should be kept well up to their duty. In the departments
which I superintend, the houses of the poor must be inspected actively,
and all offensive accumulations must be removed, the drains kept clear, and the
water tanks cleansed. The sale of unsound meat, fish, and fruit must, as far
as possible, be prevented.
The immediate appointment of a third Inspector, with a Clerk and Messenger,
will, I hope, enable us to carry out many of the necessary measures of
precaution. I am sorry that we have not had them in operation during the
whole winter.
There are many works of a structural character which cannot safely be
carried on in hot weather, and which must now be postponed until next winter.
I have the honour to remain,
Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
THOMAS HILLIER.