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25
Farm and the new iron buildings were in
occupation, there were for a short period altogether
98 cases under treatment at one time, but in my
report for 1897 I was able to say, "It was not long,
after the increased accommodation enabled me to admit
those requiring it, before the disease, Diphtheria,
began to decline in the district." The Surveyor was
requested to prepare preliminary plans for the permanent
enlargement of the hospital.
SMALL POX.
The isolation of this disease was most beneficial.
When I reflect upon the very serious outbreaks that
have occurred at different times in other towns, I
cannot but think that on two occasions the district has
been in great danger of a serious epidemic of this
terrible disease. In one instance the disease was
undoubtedly brought by a travelling professional
pugilist. It quickly spread among those who came in
contact with him in his lodgings, but every case on
becoming known was immediately removed. In one
instance a family of seven were removed from a
cottage in an area which has since been condemned as
unhealthy; what the possibilities of infection under