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30
REPORT OF THE MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH
absorbing noxious emanations, and is used for this purpose in hospitals,
dissecting rooms, &c.
It might certainly happen, that even were every precaution taken, a few
cases of zymotic disease would occur; but this is surely no reason why
preventive means should not be adopted. As well might the inhabitants of
the district throw themselves off the top of a high scaffolding, because a few
labourers fall off accidentally, in spite of ordinary care. It might also be
argued, that the chance of persons becoming infected with zymotic diseases
is great, and that children suffer less from them than adults; therefore, that
it is well for every child to be exposed to infection, and thus to pass through
the disease when young. But these arguments are surely false. Undoubtedly
the chance of becoming infected is great, because no precautions are
taken to prevent it. But wherever, in special instances of the great prevalence
of, or great mortality from, these diseases, proper precautions have
been taken, the prevalence and mortality have both been prevented. Neither
do children suffer less than adults; in fact, I believe the reverse to be the
case. At all events, children are less easily and successfully treated, and
the chance of infection diminishes with the increase of age.
The principal points then to which I beg to direct the attention of the
Vestry, with a view to the amelioration of the sanitary state of the district,
are these:—
1. The improvement of the drainage, by making sewers and drains,
especially in the southern portion of the district.
2. The improvement of the privies, so many of which are connected with
cesspools, and no or imperfect drains.
3. The improvement of the condition of the houses by cleansing, lime-
whiting, &c., whereby infection may be destroyed, and poor families
may be brought up in the midst of cleanliness and decency, instead
of amidst filth and disease.
4. The house-to-house visitation, by which defects may be surely
covered and speedily remedied.
5. The more free supply of water to the district, by the provision of
suitably capacious receptacles, or a constant supply.
6. The reduction of the large amount of smoke thrown into the air by
the various manufactories, &c.
7. The removal of the bodies from the vaults of the churches.
8. The suppression of the nuisances arising from several manufactories
which evolve noxious vapours.
9. The improvement of the management of the cow-yards in the district.
The inhabitants generally, particularly those who are parents, 1 would
advise to consider the great sources of mortality and wretchedness. Think
over the misery brought upon the children by disregarding those sanitary
influences which favour the spread of zymotic diseases. Use your best endeavours
to prevent them from catching diseases which will surely bring such
misery and mortality—either in your own case or your neighbour's; be
able to satisfy yourselves that such sickness and mortality have not arisen
from your own neglect.
Now I have shown that a very large number of the inhabitants are living
under very unfavourable circumstances, both as to health and comfort. But
all these are remediable by the Vestry under the Local Management and