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21
emanations proceeding either from the water, or
from the offensive accumulations on the wharves,
seriously interfered with the welfare of the
patients, and that in particular in the surgical
practice of the hospital, the contamination of the
air induced a liability to erysipelas and pyaemia
after severe injuries and operations, whereby the
chances of recovery of the unfortunate sufferers
were materially diminished.
Removal of Manure.
The steps taken by the Vestry, as related in my
last report (p.p. 22, 23) for restraining the undue
detention of offensive matter on the wharves, have
led to satisfactory results; so much so, that during
the last six months, the deposit of manure on the
premises of the manure dealers adjoining the
Canal Basin has been for the most part put a stop
to. Unfortunately the restrictions which have
brought about this desirable result, have reacted
unfavourably in interfering with the prompt
removal of manure from the Mewses. The
complaints which have been received on this
subject have exceeded in number those of any
former year, and there appears to be every reason
to anticipate that they will continue to increase
until the Vestry are empowered by some more
efficient enactment than that which at present
exists, to undertake the control of this traffic.