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her carefully overhauled and any obvious defects remedied. This was done
by a consulting engineer and the result was satisfactory. At the same time
the old paint was all removed from her sides and bottom, the deck-houses
were scraped and revarnished, and the funnel was cut off at a higher level so
that it can be lowered with much lighter weights, thus adding to the steadiness
of the vessel in a seaway.
In about twelve months' time it will probably be necessary to open her up,
and lift the boiler for further careful examination.
THE HOSPITAL.
The Hospital has accommodated during the six months cases of small-pox
on two occasions, one case of scarlet fever, and three cases of chicken-pox, in
all six cases.
The inside blinds have been removed and wooden louvred outside shutters
ordered to be fitted to the windows. These will be an improvement, being
more durable and unlikely to retain infection.
It is again my duty to urge upon the Committee the necessity of providing
a distinct pavilion of, say, six or eight beds for small-pox. It is not safe to
attempt to treat small-pox in the present building at the same time with
cases of other disease, and a grave responsibility is incurred by the present
arrangement. A small building erected at comparatively little cost, at a
proper distance from the present block, would meet the case.
CANVEY ISLAND.
The health of the island has been good. But one case of infectious disease
has occurred. This was measles contracted at Portsmouth.
The artesian well at Waterside has been re-bored by the Ecclesiastical
Commissioners and is now in a satisfactory condition.
All the houses have been periodically inspected and numerous sanitary
defects have been remedied.
The long-needed public well in the village is now in a fair way towards
completion.
The amount required, by no means large, has been raised by the exertions
of the principal owners and inhabitants, aided greatly by liberal donations
from the Court of Common Council and the Ecclesiastical Commissioners on
the understanding that the well when completed should be free for public use.