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6
The death rate from Small Pox in London during the year was
24 per thousand, and in Saint Saviour's district 21. This estimate
is probably not strictly accurate, as many deaths occurred in public
institutions ; but there is little doubt, if they could be fairly
distributed among the various districts of the Metropolis, Saint
Saviour's would not be in excess of the average.
From Zymotic diseases almost all epidemics arise. The
assumption, which appears to be well grounded, is, that these
diseases arc originated by the invasion of self-multiplying
molecules in the simplest form of life, which generate with
marvellous rapidity; and precaution is absolutely necessary to
restrain the spread of diseases of that class.
To prevent Small Pox, Vaccination is necessary. The diffusion
of this disease is doubtless considerably limited by the antidote;
but the severity of all epidemics depends on certain conditions,
such as clean households, disinfectants, and pure water.
Assisted by your inspector, I have endeavoured to secure these
objects. Over the Water Companies the local control is comparatively
limited; but in other respects the sanitary tables will
convince you that our labours have been unremitting. The Hoard
of Guardians and their officers have co-operated to prevent the
spread of this most offensive disease. When its prevalence
became apparent, they instructed the public Vaccinators to
impress upon all the necessity of Vaccination, issued notices,
and, for the convenience of the public, arranged bi-weekly
attendance at the public stations. The Relieving Officers of the
respective districts, although not instructed by the Guardians,
afforded every information for the detection and limitation of the
disease. Houses to the number of 125 were purified, a considerable
quantity of bedding and clothes disinfected or destroyed,
and the bodies of those who unhappily succumbed to the ravages
of the disease were isolated by being removed to the dead-house
of the' District. It may fairly bo presumed that these efforts
were in some measure instrumental in arresting its progress.
From the evidence already adduced, it will be apparent that all
a Local Board could do has been done.
I have hitherto insisted, year by year, upon the necessity of
superior and more convenient domiciles for the poor in the
neighbourhood in which they reside. This necessity is now more
generally acknowledged than was the case a few years since.
Notwithstanding the facilities afforded by Railway Companies for
relieving this pressure, there are too many conditions of a working
man's life which render it imperative that he should reside near
his place of employment; and while a whole family is compelled
to squeeze into any lodging obtainable near the industrial centre,
one of the most important conditions of health is wanting.
Of the necessity for pure water for the preservation of health,
and the proper use of disinfectants in times of disease, there can
be no question. But a brief reference to these points may very
properly find a place in this Report.