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9
In continuation of my remarks upon the water supply, I may
observe with reference to the views and recommendations of Colonel
Bolton, in a recent monthly report, I have repeatedly called attention
in my reports to the danger and injury to health arising from uncovered
and dilapidated water-butts and cisterns ; however, they are happily
becoming obsolete in this district through the extension of the constant
water suppply sytem. I do not, however, consider the present flushingbox
arrangement under the constant supply system as sufficiently
perfect to ensure safety from contamination of the water by sewer
gases, although the apparatus, valves, &c., may appear practically to
secure immunity from water contamination ; they are not sufficiently so,
they often get out of order, the box may get full of gas which may be
absorbed directly into the supply pipe, and in fact the water in the
mains—an improvement would be to have a separate cistern outside the
closet in addition to that inside, and no connexion with the house
supply.
CONTAGIOUS DISEASES (ANIMALS) ACT.
Cases of foot and mouth disease occurred in several cowsheds in
this Hamlet, but having received early information from the Metropolitan
Board of Works, and visited the premises, I cautioned the
owners to use every precaution that none of the milk from the infected
animals should be in any way used for human consumption in accordance
with section 8 of the above Act. I believe my instructions were
followed in every case, and the disease soon disappeared. I may here
add that the milk supplied to Mile End appears to be of good quality.
I have certainly failed to trace any case of infectious disease to this
source, or of adulteration in any of the samples submitted to me for
analysis.
In conclusion, I shall not attempt to unduly extend my report by
extracts from those of Government officials, but simply congratulate
the Yestry and Public of the Hamlet upon the continued maintenance
of the prestige of Mile End Old Town for the low death-rate it has so
long enjoyed.
I beg to tender my thanks to the Vestry, Sanitary Committee, and
Officers for their support and assistance in carrying out the responsible
and arduous duties I have been called upon to perform during the
successive and variedly continuous small pox epidemics which have
existed for the past 10 or 12 years.
SUMMARY OF MY REPORT TO THE SANITARY
COMMITTEE.
April 5th.—Ordinary Report and re Ambulances.
May 3rd.—Ordinary Report and re Ambulances.
June 5th.—Ordinary Report and re Dead Body, 10, Cadiz Street.
June 21 st.—Ordinary Report and re Hospital accommodation for
Infectious Cases.
July 5th.—Ordinary Report and re 1, Cleveland Street, Manufactory.
July 19th.—Ordinary Report and re Scarlet Fever.
July 31st.—Ordinary Report and re Non-Pauper Hospital—Small Pox.
September 18th —Ordinary Report and re Messrs. Millman's Manufactory,
grain drying, &c.; and Regent's Canal.