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24
In June, the number of attacks increased, 52 cases occurred
in Lambeth—from the whole of the Metropolis, over 1,200 were
removed to the Hospitals.
The Asylums Board at this time altered their arrangements in
regard to the removal and reception of patients. Mild cases were
sent thenceforth direct to the ships, and the convalescents from
the various Hospitals were transferred to the ships or the
Convalescent Camp at Darenth, only a limited number of severe
cases were allowed to remain in the Hospitals.
From this time the epidemic dates its decline. Whether this
decline was brought about by the new policy of the Hoard, I am
not prepared to say, but if not so, it is a remarkable coincidence,
that almost immediately after "direct" removals became the
practice of the Board, the epidemic showed a tendency to
decrease.
In July, 36 cases were reported, falling to 23 in August, and
falling again in September to three. At this time the epidemic
was at an end, and only a few cases occurred in October and
November, but in December the disease again assumed an
epidemic form.
In the distribution of Small Pox in Lambeth there are some
points of special interest.
A considerable percentage of cases are reported in the district
of Stockwell; other parts of the Parish suffered, many cases
occurring in the Inner Wards, but Stockwell was the only district
in which a large number of cases were found in a small area.
What was the cause of this selection ? The drainage in this
locality compares favourably with other parts of the Parish; the
houses in most parts have been built within the last few years.
Diphtheria and typhoid are not frequent; the dwellings are not
overcrowded, and are occupied by a respectable middle class.
In endeavouring to arrive at a just conclusion as to the cause
of the selection of this neighbourhood by the disease then