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and to serve notice on the owner in regard to disinfecting and cleansing
the premises, at the same time supplying their occupants with disinfectants
for immediate use.
The epidemic continued its course in a south-easterly direction, while
it still maintained its grasp on the district surrounding the locality of its
first appearance. At that period no special Hospital had been opened for
the treatment of patients suffering from this loathsome complaint.
About this time a Special Small Pox Committee was formed, to whom
the following Report was presented:—
MEDICAL OFFICER'S REPORT.
4th February, 1871.
Gentlemen :
By desire of the Sanitary Committee, I beg to lay before you a statement of
the proceedings tbat have been taken to prevent the spread of the present epidemic.
You will remember that, owing to the prevalence of Small Pox, a Committee was
summoned on December 20th last to consider the subject.
After the meeting, some premises were viewed, which were deemed suitable to be converted
into a Hospital; but as the patients that required accommodation were chiefly of
the pauper class, the Guardians were waited upon and urged to take premises; and
Pembroke House was suggested.
The Board at this time declined to take action, as there was more accommodation to be
provided at Hampstead, and the Hospital at Homerton was soon to be opened.
The Yestry also at that time saw no reason for providing a Hospital, for the reason
before mentioned, that the patients requiring it were mainly of the pauper class.
The Sanitary Inspectors were then set vigorously to work to discover cases. The
Clergy were written to, as also the Medical Men, who have had stamped forms for return
of cases. The Registrars have had forms, so as to get early information of deaths, and the
District Medical Officers' books have been periodically examined; but as many persons
conceal their illness, no accurate and reliable return can be obtained. All known cases
have been visited, disinfectants liberally supplied, and beds burnt, and replaced where
necessary.
Placards have been issued cautioning parents against sending children to school from
infected houses, and pressing upon them the necessity of vaccination.
Cards are being prepared for the purpose of informing the Vaccinating Officer of infected
Districts ; also some cards, to be distributed by the Sanitary Inspectors, giving
name, place, and time of attendance of appointed Vaccinators.
All these means have been taken without, I am sorry to say, any abatement of this
dreadful disease. The Hospital at Hampstead is full; the one at Homerton, opened on
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