C-156 60008
Kr 31 JUL
large number of the Chinese houses in Victoria, and the overcrowding, especially in cubicles, render the work of the Sanitary Board very difficult. I have given orders for the immediate erection of four public latrines, as this is, I am satisfied, of cardinal importance. A bill for securing that all houses shall have proper ventilation, and for the suppression of insanitary dwellings of which a very large number still exist, is now before the Legislative Council, and will I hope be passed during the coming month. In the meantime the Sanitary Board have exercised their power fully of bringing offenders before the Magistrate, and having closed 202 houses considered unfit for habitation.
6. As to the treatment of Plague, I do not think that any medical efforts can be said to be successful with Chinese, who seem to abandon hope when stricken with the disease. With Europeans it is different, as the bubonic form appears to yield to timely treatment, but the pneumonic form is usually fatal.
I regret to have to report that two of the European Sanitary Inspectors have been attacked, but happily both have recovered.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient
Humble Servant,
Henry Blake
GOVERNOR, &C.