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6
The Small Pox Epidemic in 1871.
The epidemic of Small Pox whilst raging to an alarming
extent in the Metropolis, and has since visited most of the large
towns throughout the country, prevailed in this Parish during
the whole of 1871. During several years previous to 1871,
comparatively few cases were observed. In 10 vears the

It will be seen that in 1865, '66, and '67, Small Pox was
slightly epidemic in this Parish, but in 1868, '69 and '70,
scarcely any cases were known.
In fact, before the epidemic had reached Paddington, I
mentioned in my fortnightly Report that the Small Pox Hospital
was quite full, and that, if any cases occurred we should lack
the means of removal and isolation required to prevent the
spreading of the disease.
The .Vestry therefore under powers conferred by the Sanitary
Act of 1866, at once voted the sum required for the erection
of a temporary Iron Hospital in the grounds of the Workhouse.
The Guardians, meanwhile, received into Wards, isolated fur
the purpose, cases that sought prompt removal, so that until
the accommodation which the Metropolitan Asylum Boards
afterwards provided at the Hospitals of Hampstead, Homerton
and Stockwell, every facility was offered for the isolation of
cases that cropped up almost daily from the first outbreak of the
epidemic in the early part of January to the end of December.
The first cases actually began a few days after my warning,
and it must be a source of gratification to know that the prompt
and united action taken by the Vestry and Board of Guardians
to meet the impending danger has been attended with marked
success by allaying fears, and averting a great risk of the
spreading of this horrible disease in houses where early cases
occurred. This will be best understood by stating that from the