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8
I hope to see a great improvement in the death-rate. Of the
10 cases of Small-pox notified, seven were in West Thurrock—
probably accounted for by this district being on the
direct line of communication between the Docks at
Tilbury and London, and also by the change of persons
working at the factories here. Some people have thought
that the accumulation of Small-pox cases in the Hospital
Ships, in the river Thames, may have been a cause of the
disease, and the report of the Local Government Board enquiry
at Bradford, appears to lend support to this theory.
Cholera
Cholera.—In view of the probability of this disease
being introduced into the district through Tilbury Docks, the
steps taken last year were again adopted. A certificated
nurse was ordered to be obtained to attend on telegraphic
notice. An agreement was made to hire a cottage near
Tilbury Docks (for administrative purposes) with land on
which to erect tents. Two double tents have been purchased,
and are kept at the Isolation Hospital. Water-proof sheeting,
hot water bottles, and a good supply of mercuric disinfectant
were got. The water supply to the cottage is from a deep
well at Low Street, tapped on its way to supply the Railway
cottages at Tilbury station.