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9
From the preceding table it appears that the highest number of deaths
from small-pox, during the present epidemic, occurred in the week ending
on the 24th February, when 104 died, and in the corresponding week in
the year 1871, the deaths were 227; but the epidemic in 1871 did not
reach its culminating point until the week ending May 6th, when 288
deaths were recorded; and the deaths did not materially decline until the
week ending July 8th, when the number fell from 235 (the number registered
for the week ended July 1st,) to 164; after which the number of deaths
gradually declined; but London could not be said to be comparatively free
from small-pox until August, 1872; the epidemic having lasted upwards
of three years. As the weekly return of deaths from small-pox does not
steadily decline, and the cases in the Hospitals do not materially diminish
in number, while some of them show great malignancy, we cannot, with
any feeling of certainty, assert that we are even approaching the termination
of the present epidemic.
In my last quarterly report I stated that this Board had fitted up a
temporary building in the Stone Yard for the reception of non-pauper patients
who were able to pay ten shillings per week during the time of their
residence therein. I am happy in being able to state that only one person
availed himself of the accommodation.
Owing to the difficulty which the majority of Local Boards in the
Metropolis would find in obtaining suitable sites for the reception of nonpauper
patients who are suffering from small-pox, fever, scarlet-fever, or
from cholera, and the opposition which would be raised by the inhabitants
to the erection of any such hospital in their neighbourhood, and the
enormous expense which would be incurred by providing everything requisite
for the treatment of the patients, it would be almost impossible to adopt
such a plan. At the same time it must be admitted, " that adequate
prevision for the isolation and treatment of epidemic infectious diseases
in the Metropolis does not exist." It is, therefore, incumbent on the several
local authorities to make suitable provision for the reception of persons
suffering from such diseases who are able to pay for the accommodation ;
and, having duly considered the matter, I am of opinion that the resolution
adopted by the Vestry of St. James', Westminster, is practicable, and
might advantageously be acted on.
The resolution is as follows:—
Vestry Hall, St. James', WestminsteE.
22nd April, 1877.
"That a communication be addressed to the Local Government Board
stating that, in the opinion of this Yestry, it if) desirable that powers should
be given to Vestries and District Boards to send small-pox patients to the