View report page

38
were not likety to prevail in an epidemic form at the same
time. Cases of diphtheria were admitted to the Workhouse
Infirmaries, where they ought not to be treated, and it was
justly remarked that the Managers could treat such cases better
and in a more effective way, for the protection of the public,
than they could be treated in Infirmary Wards. The Managers
adopted a resolution to again bring the matter before the Local
Government Board, and to ask for a decision.
A communication was received in due course from the
President of the Local Government Board, in answer to your
Vestry's letter, dated October 4th (page 34 ante), to the effect
that "the matter was engaging the attention of the Board," and
a further communication was subssquently received, from which
it appeared that the difficulty which had existed, owing to the
inability of the Board to issue an Order, might be practically
overcome. The letter was as follows:—
" Local Government Board,
Whitehall, S.W.,
20th October, 1888.
" Sir,—I am directed by the Local Government Board to advert to
your letter of the 4th instant, and to transmit to you for the information
of the Vestry of the Parish of St. Mary Abbotts, Kensington, the
accompanying copy of a letter which the Board have addressed to
the Managers of the Metropolitan Asylums District upon the subject
of the admission into their Hospital.3 of persons suffering from
Diphtheria.
I am, &c.,
(Signed) EDMUND J. WODEHOUSE,
Assistant Secretary
[Copy.]
" 17th October, 1888.
" Sib,—I am directed by the Local Government Board to advert to
your letters of the 24th ult., and 8th inst., with reference to the admission
into the Hospitals of the Managers of the Metropolitan Asylums District
of persons suffering from Diphtheria.
The Board direct me to state that they have been advised that,
for the purpose now under consideration, persons suffering from this
disease cannot be regarded as patients suffering from fever. The