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road. In 1878-9-80-1 the reverse obtains; and especially is
this true of 1881, the cases south of Uxbridge Road having
been far more numerous than those in the north of the
parish—238, as against 128; whereas in 1871, the cases in
the north were 303 as against 141 in the south. It is true, moreover,
that the cases have been most numerous in the south-west
district, nearest the hospital, which is separated from "Ifield Road"
by the Brompton Cemetery, a well-wooded space some 800 feet
across. It does not follow from these facts that the hospital has
been the cause of the spread of the disease: this, however, is a
question well worthy of detailed inquiry, especially in respect of
Ifield Road, which has furnished (in 1881) more cases than any
other street. With the facts respecting the spread of the disease
in this street I am well acquainted, but interesting as they are,
they are too voluminous to admit of statement here. Many of
the cases, it may be mentioned, can be explained independently
of the hospital, and considering the dense population of the street
(as compared with other streets and with the Ifield Road of 1871),
and the altered character of this population, it is quite open to
question whether the spread of the disease may not be capable of
explanation without reference to the hospital."
(2). "Provision of Hospitals for Non-Paupers.—Action of
Sanitary Authorities.—On the question of providing for hospital
treatment of the infectious sick, I adhere to the principles
set out in my Report on 'Hospital Accommodation,' submitted
herewith, page 2, and pages 9,10,11 and 12 [vide Annual Report
for 1876, page 10]; and I approve the resolution passed by the
first Conference of Metropolitan Sanitary Authorities, held July
16,1878, to the following effect:—
"'That in the opinion of this Conference many almost insurmountable
obstacles present themselves to the carrying
out by the Vestries and District Boards of the Metropolis
of the powers conferred upon them by the 37th
Section of the Sanitary Act, 1866; and it is further of
opinion that it is desirable that provision should be made
by Act of Parliament for one Authority, acting for the