r p o 1i t 
* 
OF THE 
\ 
COMMISSIONER OF HEALTH. 
Ivl >CGSTON, JAMIOA. 
C. L. CAMPBELL, PRINTER- ERRATA. 
At page 4, last line, for “ affected’’ read effected. 
At page 2!', the 19th line of paragraph 62, for “ were seen 
in the Town’’ read were, never seen in the Town. 11 15 P O R T 
OF THE 
COMMISSIONER OF HEALTH. 
Office of the Commissioner of Health, Kingston, 
?>lst December} 1883. 
To tiie Hon. H. J. Kemble, Chairman of the Log vl Board 
of Health, Kingston, 
I have the honor to present to the Local Board of Health, 
my Report for the year ended 31st December instant, in 
which is shewn the nature as well as the amount of sanitary 
work performed during that period, under the direction and 
supervision of the officers of the Board. 
2. I feel satisfaction in stating that, during the year, 
there has been an extraordinary exemption from severe forms 
of sickness among the inhabitants, that no diseases of the 
zymotic class occurred in epidemic form, and that although 
yellow-fever prevailed for several months in an adjacent 
Island, the city was not invaded by that disease. 1 shall, 
hereafter, shew by reference to the mortality returns pre- 
pared by the Registrar-General of Births and Deaths, that so 
far as the death-rate, as well as the causes of deaths stated in 
the returns, may be regarded as an index of the sanitary con- 
dition of the city, there is not much cause for complaint. 
3. The same routine work of scavenging has been car- 
ried on daily, and as in former years, a large quantity of 
refuse matter has been removed from the thoroughfares, 
private yards, and unenclosed lots of land, and conveyed to 
the place of deposit, all of which work was performed under 
the direction and supervision of the Inspectors of Nuisances. 
Sir, It will be seen by reference io the return marked A, that 
2,481 cart-loads of refuse matter have been taken from 
the places mentioned, to the deposit ground in West 
Street, added to which is the further large quantity taken 
daily from the streets of Rae’s Town, brown’s Town, Alman 
Town, Hannah’s Town and Smith’s Village, the exact quan- 
tity of which cannot be ascertained, as its removal was 
effected by means of wheel-barrows and hand-carts, 
4. At the commencement of the year, the work of re- 
moving the debris on wharves and other places at the lower 
part of the city, where the fire of the 11th December 1882 
had destroyed so many buildings was actively carried on, 
and it required not less energy than determination on 
the part of the officers of the Board to have this accomplished. 
There was difficulty in inducing some of the owners and 
occupiers of premises, on which such debris was found, to 
have it taken away, and although there was a little delay, 
it was eventually removed. Whilst the work was 
going on, the emanations from certain wharf premises, 
where large quantities of animal and vegetable matter were 
lying in a state of decomposition was intolerable, and the 
effluvium was experienced even in the upper part of the city. 
These heaps of foul, offensive matter were removed in large 
boats or barges to a spot far to leeward in the harbour, 
where it was deposited. Disinfecting and deodorizing agents 
were freely employed whilst it was being taken away and 
after its removal, and all risk of danger to the public health 
fully guarded against. 
5. About this period, a considerable portion of the time 
of the Inspectors of Nuisances was devoted to the filling of 
latrine vaults, which were exposed after the fire. To the 31st 
December 1882, 183 had been filled, and from that date to 
the end of January, 2G3 underwent the same process, making 
a total of 446. This was an important sanitary work, and 
in view of the possibility of the efiluvium from such ex- 
posed vaults disturbing the public health, and endangering 
the lives of the inhabitants, it was of importance to fill them 3 
rapidly, and accordingly special attention was given to the 
work. 
6. It may be said that, notwithstanding the insanitary 
conditions which followed the conflagration, and their ex- 
tent as well as formidable character, no particular sickness 
was induced among the inhabitants, and this no doubt 
resulted, in great degree, from the active measures that were 
taken, and the precautions used for the abatement of nuisan- 
ces that were so dangerous to health. At such a crisis, the 
public were alive to the danger, and some observant persons 
in the community addressed letters to the Board on the sub- 
ject, but at the time they wrote, the strongest efforts were 
being made to have the city free of these insanitary condi- 
tions. 
7. I may observe incidentally, with reference to the 
locality where the work of destruction by lire was so great, 
and where before its occurrence, the building arrangements 
generally were not calculated to secure a proper degree of 
sanitation, that the stores and offices which have been erect- 
ed, are of more approved style and character, and in many 
instances, have been constructed with due regard to proper 
ventilation, and to the laws which influence health. 
8. Seeing that the greater portion of the buildings at the, 
lower part of the city, extending from East Street to West 
Street, had been destroyed, and that the re-erection of them 
must sooner or later take place, I addressed a letter to the 
Board in the month of February calling their attention to 
representations I had made in my reports of the insanitary 
condition of the latrines that had been in use in that quarter, 
and to the fact that, from their mode of construction, they 
afforded facilities for collections of water, thereby keeping in 
a state of dilution, the excretal matter contained in them, 
and causing at all times a noxious effluvium to be emitted. 
In this locality, water may be found at a few feet below the 
surface, and in many places there are springs, so that the 
frequent emptying of them is of little avail, inasmuch 
as after this process, water soon collects, and there is a 
recurrence of the nuisance. 1 therefore suggested to the. 4 
Board that in building latrines in that locality, they 
should be so constructed, as to prevent the possibility of 
such evils arising from them, 1 observe that in the 
“ Kingston Building Law 1888,” a clause has been in- 
serted, and rules laid down for the observance of persons who 
may build latrines on the site of the fire of 1882, and that a 
plan of building has been directed, in accordance with my 
suggestions. I, however, fear that through delay in the pass- 
ing of the Act, some latrines have been built upon the old 
principle, and if so. that there will be a return of evils, 
which it is of the highest consequence to prevent. 
9. Of the latrines throughout the city, 198 were cleaned 
during the year, by direction of the Inspectors of Nuisances, 
of which, 100 were cleaned through written notices and 
orders served on householders, and 98 through verbal orders 
—67 were cleaned voluntarily by householders, making 
a total of 2G5. Of the 198,19 on the premises of poor persons 
were cleaned by order of the Board, under the provisions of 
the 17th Section of Law 0 of 1867, 198 notices and orders 
were served upon householders to have their latrines 
cleaned, and 85 notices to have others disinfected. 
10. Although there are still 17 cesspools in the thorough- 
fares, they are little used by householders, who have found 
it more convenient and economical to allow bath and other 
surplus water to run direct into the water-tables. Formerly 
cesspools in Kingston were sources of great atmospheric 
vitiation, and the Inspectors of Nuisances had much diffi- 
culty in getting the pccupants of houses to keep them clean 
and in order. The presence of cesspools in the streets does 
not improve their appearance, and whenever used, in- 
variably cause insanitary conditions. Their abolition will 
no doubt be determined, when the reconstruction of the 
streets commences or the work is in progress. During the 
year, it was not necessary for the Inspectors of Nuisances to 
direct that any be cleaned—3 were altogether abandoned 
and filled. 
11. I have to remark, with regard to the thorough- 
fares, that whilst such a degree of repairs has been affected 5 
from time io time as to render them safe for the passage of 
vehicles, it must be admitted that they are still in an un- 
satisfactory state. Every day, the necessity for their recon- 
struction becomes more manifest, and with reference to the 
important work to be performed, what points most to its 
urgency is, the extremely bad state of the water-tables of 
some of the streets, and the still worse condition of the lanes. 
The surfaces of several of the streets are lower than the 
water-tables, and they form water-courses, so that when 
the latter are being flushed, or there is a downfall of rain, 
the principal body of water is seen running down over their 
surfaces, instead of at their sides along the tables, which 
were specially intended as surface drains. In the present 
condition of the water-tables, they seem only to serve the 
purpose of collecting mud and stagnant water, and of favor- 
ing the rapid and luxuriant growth of grass. Nothing can 
be more unsatisfactory than the condition of these water- 
tables, and they are a source of trouble and anxiety. In con- 
sequence of the numerous complaints made about the foul 
smell arising from them, I have watched carefully the 
movements of the persons employed by the Road Board to 
flush and clean them, and noticed how completely, after the 
process has been gone through, they have been cleared of 
mud and stagnant water. And yet it is a matter of observa- 
tion that, notwithstanding such effectual cleansing, after the 
lapse of a few hours, and before water, in any quantity, has 
passed over their surfaces, there is again a strong and dis- 
agreeable effluvium from them. As night approaches, this 
smell becomes unbearable, and the result is that there is an 
impression among many of the citizens, that there is indif- 
ference about such a nuisance, and that no regard is had for 
the public health. To say the least of it, this is an exceed- 
ingly erroneous impression. The truth is, as I have on pre- 
vious occasions stated, that the subsoil of the water-tables 
for some depth below is thoroughly percolated with foul 
water, a process that has been going on for many years, and 
it cannot be approached or inlluenced by any flushing that 
might be carried on, and it is from this source that the ex- 
halation proceeds. It is evident that this nuisance can only 
be abated by taking up the water-tables, removing the often- 6 
sive soil from underneath, and reconstructing them upon a 
proper principle. The original, bad construction of these 
water-tables allows of wide interspaces between the stones 
which are filled with earth, from which, under wThat has 
become a fertilizing soil, grass grows, with rapidity, obstruct- 
ing the flow ot any water that might be poured into them, 
and causing collections of mud and stagnant water. It is 
evident that the Officers of the Road Hoard have much dif- 
ficulty in clearing the streets of this grass, as it grows 
quickly after it has been removed, and this particular work 
must cause a large expenditure of money. 
12. For the reasons mentioned, it is clear that, on sani- 
tary and other grounds, the work of reconstruction cannot 
with safety be longer delayed, and I have no reason to be- 
lieve that the Board entertain a contrary opinion. The mat- 
ter has now become urgent, and it must be deemed so, when 
the public health is becoming more and more endangered 
through insanitary conditions which result from causes that 
cannot be removed by ordinary maintenance, but only by a 
thorough and complete reconstruction of the streets. 
13, In touching upon the question of the reconstruction 
of the thoroughfares, I may observe that there is less cause 
for complaint about those portions of the principal streets, 
that are situated between North {Street and East Queen 
Street. Although in a better condition than other streets, 
they may to a certain extent need repairs or even reconstruc- 
tion, but there is not at any time a large quantity of foul 
water found lodging in them, and this in great measure is 
due to the fact, that water from the baths of the majority of 
householders in that part of the city is not allowed to run 
into the streets, but into the lanes. But it may be said of 
the lanes, whether they are wholly or partially leaved or are 
unpaved, and of the cross-streets which have never yet un- 
dergone any proper construction, and are consequently with- 
out paved water-tables, that they require immediate atten- 
tion, and this for reasons previously mentioned. When, 
therefore, the work of reconstruction is about to commence, 
1 may state with deference, that it seems desirable that 7 
operations should be first carried on in the lanes—at all 
events, in those which are found to he in the worse condi- 
tion. 
L4. One more remark I think it right to make with re- 
gard to those lanes that are unpaved, and it is, that in the 
process of flushing them, as now conducted, or in the ordi- 
nary removal of mud, which is necessarily done frequently, 
there is by degrees a gradual yet appreciable sinking or 
deepening of the surfaces, so that eventually so much mate- 
rial will have been removed, that in raising them and res- 
toring their proper gradient during reconstruction, the ex- 
pense of the work must be proportionately increased. It is 
not improbable that this circumstance lias not escaped the 
notice of the City Surveyor, but it might be regarded as one, 
among other reasons, why the work on the lanes should 
have early consideration. 
15. In the 9th paragraph of my Report for the year 1881, 
because of the connection which exists between the sanitary 
state of the city and the proper maintenance of the thorough- 
fares, I drew attention to the amount of damage done by 
vehicles of every description, driven into Kingston almost 
daily from the adjoining parishes, among them drays, wag- 
gons and carts, some heavily laden and therefore doing much 
injury lo the streets, the owners or drivers being under no 
obligation to contribute towards their repairs. It is un- 
likely that the work of reconstruction will be completed 
before the lapse of a few years, but in the mean time, that of 
repairing must continue, for the streets and lanes generally 
cannot be neglected, whilst such a work is being proceeded 
with, and operations are confined to a defined or limited 
portion of the city. Judging from the present condition ot 
the streets and lanes, and seeing the state in which they 
have been for some time past, it is fair to conclude that the 
funds at the command of the Board have scarcely been ade- 
quate for their proper maintenance. They must deteriorate 
in condition, and tor their repairs, a large amount of money 
will be required every year. 
16. Among the upper classes of society, many engaged 
in business pursuits in the city reside in adjoining parishes, 8 
and of necessity, come in daily and return home in the even- 
ing. Nearly all of these keep vehicles, which run over the 
streets, and do more or less damage to them. Such persons are 
exempt from the payment of any rates for street purposes, 
and it might not be too much to ask that they should con- 
tribute their quota towards the expense of maintenance of 
the thoroughfares. It must be understood that I exclude 
altogether any who may be transient visitors. Reverting 
to the traffic with carts, waggons and drays, whilst some 
are from the adjoining parishes, others, particularly carts 
used in the fruit trade, are from a greater distance. All com- 
bined do an inconceivable amount of damage to the streets, 
and there seems no reason why the owners of such vehicles 
should not also be required to give something towards their 
repairs. The majority of householders in Kingston, who 
keep no vehicles—neither carriages nor carts—have to pay 
lor the repairs and maintenance of the streets, which are to 
a very great extent damaged by wheel traffic at the 
instance of persons, who contribute nothing towards such 
repairs. 
17 The Inspectors of Nuisances have directed attention 
to the cleaning of enclosed and unenclosed lots of land in 
the city. Of this latter, there are about 456. They are not 
only sources of atmospheric impurity, on account of the lux- 
uriant vegetation with which most of them abound, and 
the emanations which under certain conditions arise from 
them, but in certain localities, they are made the receptacles 
of every description of filth, thrown into them by a class of 
persons who regard them as convenient places of deposit. 
I am not aware that anything has been done by the autho- 
rities, with a view to the fencing and enclosing of any of 
these lots of land. The undertaking would be expensive, 
and I doubt if there are any funds at the disposal of the Mu- 
nicipal Board for carrying out such work. It caunot be too 
strongly impressed that, whilst these unenclosed lots of 
land detract from a decent appearance, they are the foci of 
much that is likely to contribute towards the unhealthiness 
of the city. During the year 110 lots were cleaned by di- 
rection of the Inspectors of Nuisances, of which, 0 were cu- 9 
closed and 101 unenclosed, 59 notices and orders were served 
upon householders to have certain lots cleaned, 
18. In a worse condition than these unenclosed lots ol' 
land are the several abandoned burial grounds in the city, 
some of which, imperfectly enclosed, are overgrown with 
trees and bush, and have gone into a state of complete jun~ 
gle. A list of these grounds, with a statement of their con- 
dition, is being prepared, and it will shortly be forwarded 
to the Board. Under the 32nd section of the “ Kingston 
Cemetery Law 1874,” the Municipal Board is required to 
maintain in decent order grave-yards, in which under an 
Order in Council issued, there has been a discontinuance ol 
burials, and to do the necessary repairs of the walls and 
other fences thereof, and it is further directed under the same 
section, that the cost of such maintenance and repairs shall 
be paid by that Board, out of the moneys to be received by 
them under the provisions of this Law. 
19. Unless, therefore, there are funds available now 
from the Cemetery for carrying out the provisions ot the 
Law, and whenever at any future time, the grounds may 
require cleaning, it is evident that in regard to this impor- 
tant sanitary work, the section in question must be deemed 
altogether inoperative. So far as my observation goes, and 
from the information I have received, I believe that neither 
at present, nor prospectively, are the Municipal Board like- 
ly to have sufficient money from the source contemplated, to 
enable them to do with these grounds what the Law re- 
quires. The question then arises—what is to be done with 
them ? From day to day they must acquire a still more in- 
sanitary character, and become more potent in the exercise 
of a dangereus influence upon the public health, finder 
the circumstances, would it be expedient for the Municipal 
Board to apply to the Gfovernment for aid ? 
20. The closure and abandonment of burial grounds in 
Kingston was only a partial movement by the Government, 
and a large number of interments still take place in grave- 
yards in the city, which are connected with certain places 
of worship. It is to be presumed that the amount received 10 
for such interments is far in excess of that which would be 
required for cleaning the respective grounds, and therefore, 
through what may be regarded as a diversion of funds, it is 
not surprising that the moneys received for interments in 
the Cemetery should prove not only insufficient for the pro- 
per maintenance of the place, but for the purpose of carrying 
out the requirements of the Law, with regard to disused 
burial places. 
21. If I have been correctly informed, a marked dimi- 
nution of the amounts received at the Cemetery, is attributa- 
ble to interments having taken place in burial grounds that 
are still in use (whether from choice or from prejudice on 
the part of relatives or friends against the Cemetery is not 
known) of the bodies of persons, who were wholly uncon- 
nected with the Churches to which such grounds are at- 
tached, I mention this circumstance, in order to show that 
if it were contemplated by the Government, when framing 
the Act, that the funds to be derived from the Cemetery 
would not only be sufficient to pay all contingent expenses, 
but enough to meet the cost of repairs and maintenance of 
the abandoned burial grounds, there was a miscalculation, 
for the result is that whilst burials were interdicted on all 
those grounds, with a view to overcoming and preventing 
insanitary conditions, these have increased in a manifold de- 
gree, and the Municipal Board are powerless to combat with 
them. All these difficulties might have been avoided, if it 
had been declared in the Act that after a stated time, intra- 
mural burials should cease in Kingston, and that all inter- 
ments should thereafter take place in the public Cemetery. 
22. It is scarcely necessary to again enumerate the se- 
veral matters, in regard to which some action should be 
taken with a view to effecting further sanitary improve- 
ments in Kingston which are mentioned in former reports, 
and to which I have drawn the attention of the Board. 1 
would again ask their attention to those reports, and i f the 
suggestions I have made in them be considered of any im- 
portance, as calculated in any way to improve the sanitary 11 
state of the city, that the Board will give them their consi- 
deration. 
23. I think it right, however, to state with reference to 
the matters adverted to, that such practices as the washing of 
clothes in private yards, the establishment of grave-yards 
about the city, the tethering of stock on unenclosed lots of 
land and in private yards, where also people who come to 
Kingston for marketing purposes, there being no proper ac- 
commodation, domicile and sleep, and from which they sui- 
ter physically and morally, whilst insanitary conditions re- 
sult, the vending of provisions, fruit and vegetables in the 
public thoroughfares, which are converted into so many 
market places, as well as many others mentioned in the re* 
ports, all of which are objectionable, and are sources of dan- 
ger to the public health. It is desirable that they should be 
prohibited, under the force either of Legislation, or of strin- 
gent Municipal regulations. 
24. Success has not attended the measures that were 
adopted for the abatement of the nuisance caused by the 
carrying on of the fruit trade in Kingston. The steps that 
were taken to enforce the regulation, passed by the Gover- 
nor in Privy Council in December, 1881, and particularly 
the section relating to the sweeping daily of certain portions 
of the thoroughfares in front of places of business, and the 
removal by persons conducting such business, of refuse 
matter so swept to the place of deposit, proved unavailing. 
I communicated to the Board, on the 24th September, that 
the several persons to whom the regulation applied, refused 
to notice it, and expressed their determination not to com- 
ply with its requirements. They assigned as a reason for so 
refusing, that each and all of them contributed yearly, through 
sanitary rates fixed by the Board, towards the expenses at- 
tendant upon the performance ol such work of scavenging, 
and accordingly they shewed the most strenuous opposition 
to the regulation. 
25. It must be remembered that the object of the appli- 
cation that was made by the Municipal Board to the Go- 
vernment was, to have such a regulation passed as would 12 
enable them to deal with traders in fruit, who through a 
1 ix system, in common with those who bring cart-loads of 
fruit to the city, notwithstanding all remonstrances, cause 
large quantities of trash to be left piled in heaps in certain 
thoroughiares and on wharves, and also that the Board hav- 
ing framed a regulation, bearing specially upon this ques- 
tion, and forwarded it to the Government for approval and 
adoption, that which has proved inoperative was substituted 
and having been approved of by the Governor in Privy 
Council, was sent down to the Board. 
26. No progress therefore has been made towards the 
abatement of this trash nuisance, and believing that the sug- 
gestions I offered in last year's Report, as to the mode ot pro- 
cedure most likely to prove practicable and effective in de- 
termining its abatement, I have again to urge on the atten- 
tion of the Board, the remarks I made on the subject in pa- 
ragraphs 15,16, 17 and 18 of that Report. I see no prospect,as 
1 have previously stated, of anything being done in this 
matter, until responsibility is fixed somewhere. There is no 
difficulty in dealing with ordinary litter, swept from dwel- 
lings or places of business, and improperly deposited in any 
thoroughfares, but with such refuse matter, the regulation 
unnecessarily deals. Under bye-laws of the Local Board of 
Health, framed in accordance with the 14th section of Law 
6 ol‘1867,householders and others are directed in what manner 
it shall be dealt with. They are aware that a penalty attaches 
to any infraction of these laws, and in this matter, the officers 
of the Board, in the discharge of their duties, have never met 
with difficulty. Again, the work of scavenging is carried 
on under their direction, the streets are swept regularly, and 
the ordinary refuse matter removed by the contractors for 
such work to the place of deposit. But in the matter of 
cart-loads oi trash thrown and left in the streets or on 
wharves, sometimes as many as 20 or 80 carts will be seen 
in a street supplying one dealer, or on one day, about 100 
fruit carts may be observed in different parts of the city. 
Such a regulation as that in force is not adapted to the re- 
quirements ot the Board, and cannot fail to be otherwise 
than inoperative. The fact is, that persons keeping stores 13 
or other places of business in any street, before whose pre* 
mises these carts are drawn up in line, and where trash is 
thrown, complain of a nuisance, which under the regulation 
they themselves are required to abate. 
27. Apart from this being a sanitary question, in the 
16th paragraph of my Iveport for 1882, I stated that through 
the carelessness of the drivers of carts, or of persons loitering 
about the locality (probably using matches carelessly, whilst 
smoking) there was reason to apprehend damage from lire, 
when such large quantities of dried trash are left in the 
streets day and night. Since that Report was presented, it has 
become a more general practice to allow fruit dealers to leave 
heaps ol such trash from fruit carts on certain wharf premi- 
ses, and at mid-day on Sunday the 25th March, a quantity of 
banana and plaintain trash left at the Prince’s Wharf by 
certain dealers, was found on fire, but fortunately many 
persons being near the spot, who gave prompt and active as- 
sistance, it was extinguished before it could extend to the 
wharf buildings or houses in the neighbourhood. 
28. As far as 1 can make out, there are now 6 fruit deal* 
ers in Kingston—the number has diminished from 1882, but 
those engaged in the trade seem to be carrying on more ex- 
tensive business, so that notwithstanding this diminution, 
it is not improbable that about the same or even a larger 
quantity of fruit is now brought to the city for exportation. 
Many persons, in districts not remote, are cultivating bana- 
nas and looking after other fruit trees, so that the fruit 
trade is likely to increase, and in course of time, a still 
larger number of fruit carts will be brought to Kingston. 
Bearing this in mind, and having in view the present state 
of things, the Board cannot at too early a period take steps 
to prevent the sanitary and other evils that arise out of the 
carrying on of this trade in Kingston. There can be no de- 
sire to adopt a course, which would in any way tend to em- 
barrass the fruit dealers. On the contrary, they should 
know that the Board would be rather disposed to encour- 
age the further development of the trade, than to place ob- 
stacles in their way, but it is the province of the Board 
to see that the comfort and health of the inhabitants are se- 14 
cured, and that under the circumstances, precautionary 
measures be taken against the occurrence of fire, 
29. Inspections have been made periodically ot the 
Market Places, Slaughter House and Livery Stables, and they 
have generally been found in a cleanly state. As usual, the 
"V ictoria Market still maintains the ascendancy for cleanli- 
ness, and it is satisfactory to be enabled from year to year 
to make this statement. There are no places in which in- 
sanitary conditions more quickly arise, but such is the sys- 
tem adopted in this Market, where there is a constant and 
full supply of water, that with zeal and attention on the part 
of the Clerk in charge, such conditions are effectually guard- 
ed against. 
30. The Solas Market remains in much the same state, 
and although it has undergone some repairs, from its construc- 
tion, want of space and lack of convenience, it is ill adapted 
for the purposes of a market. It is, however, kept in as 
clean and orderly a state as circumstances will allow, but I 
imagine that at no distant period, a proper market building 
will be erected on a more approved site, and sufficiently large 
for the accommodation of the numerous persons who go there 
from the country, many of whom vending provisions etc., 
are obliged, for the want of such accommodation, to do so in 
the streets. This practice, with that indulged by similar ven- 
dors within and around the uncovered enclosure north of the 
Victoria Market, is most reprehensible. Seeing how large 
a portion of this Market was unoccupied, I made particular 
reference to the practice in my last lveport, and suggested 
in what way I thought the evil might be overcome. I am 
still of the same opinion, and again recommend that the 
Board should use necessary means to have it abolished, and 
thereby prevent nuisances dangerous to health that arise 
therefrom. 
31. With regard to the state of the public health during 
the year, an examination of the abstracts of Births and 
Deaths, registered at the office of the Registrar General, 
shews that the deaths are in excess of the number register- 
ed in 1882. In 1881, they amounted to 963, of which, 291 15 
occurred in the public institutions. In the present year, the 
total number of deaths registered is 1,272—418 of them hav- 
ing taken place in those institutions. In the first 11 months 
of 1882, the deaths averaged 77 per month, but in December 
they were as high as 124. From January to June of this 
year, they averaged 128 per month, and in the last six 
months, ended 31st December, 84 per month, During the 
former period, there were no marked meteorological condi- 
tions, which it was considered were likely to determine 
such a degree of unhealthiness in the city, and it was inex- 
plicable why there was such an increase in the number oi 
deaths from December 1882 to June 1883. 
32. It is a striking feature in the Registrar-General’s 
Returns’that, at no period of the year was any extraordinary 
number of deaths registered, as having occurred iroin dis- 
eases of the Zymotic class, and certainly, at no time was 
there evidence of any threatening or ol the actual existence 
of an epidemic of such diseases. The total number of deaths 
from Fever, and the forms of fever, as registered, from which 
they took place, is as follows : from Infantile Remittent 
Fever, 1 death—undistinguished, of which 3 were not me- 
dically certified, 10, Malarial, 8, Enteric, 2, Bilious, 1, Inter- 
mittent, 5, Typhoid, 7, Remittent, 8, Malignant Malarial, 4 
Continued, 1 and Yellow Fever, 1 death. The greatest num- 
ber of deaths from fever occurred in February and March, 
when there were 7 in each month. The average in the 
other months of the year was a fraction over 3 per month. 
The death from Yellow Fever took place in the month of 
September, at a house in East Queen Street. The young 
man who died, was a native of the country, and lived in 
Kingston. Some surprise was felt at the announcement of 
his death from such a form ol fever, as natives are rarely, if 
ever, attacked with the disease, unless it be raging in severe 
epidemic form, and then most commonly, those only are 
liable to attacks, who reside in cooler or actually cold dis- 
tricts, and who at such a time may visit any locality in the 
lowlands, when they may be brought under the influence 
of the Yellow Fever poison. Besides the death from Yellow 
Fever registered in September, ther) were only three other 16 
deaths from fever registered in that month viz : from Mala- 
rial Fever 1, Intermittent 1, and continued fever 1. I make 
these remarks, because such an occurrence was unusual and 
remarkable, and especially as there was an entire exemption 
from the disease among Europeans residing in the city, 
some of them not acclimated and therefore presumably more 
susceptible than a native of the poison of Yellow Fever. 
The deaths from Fever in 18S2 amounted to 59, whereas in 
the present year, notwithstanding a higher death-rate, 48 
deaths were registered. 
33. As I stated before, the mortality from Zymotic dis- 
eases was not high. Throughout the year, 7 deaths from 
Diphtheria were registered. In the months of May, June 
and July, 1 death occurred in each month ; in October, 2, 
November, 2 and in December, 1. Diphtheria appears under 
peculiar circumstances, as attacks of it occur as frequently 
in dwellings that are favorably situated, where there are no 
insanitary conditions, and there has been no communi- 
cation by the inmates with persons elsewhere suffer- 
ing from the disease, as in houses that are dilapi- 
dated and damp, with rotten walls, and which are unfit 
for human abode. There were 14 deaths from Measles in 
March, April and May, 6 of which were not medically cer- 
tified. The attacks must have been of unusually severe 
character, as ordinarily, this is not regarded as a fatal disease. 
Some of the deaths no doubt occurred from severe pulmonary 
complications. Two deaths from erysipelas, not medically cer- 
tified, occurred in the months of February and August. 
Looking over the Registrar-Gfeneral’s Returns, it is certainly 
noteworthy that in Kingston, not free from marked insani- 
tary conditions, with a population of 36,846 persons, a large 
proportion of this number badly housed and fed. and ill-clad, 
so few deaths should take place from diseases of this class. 
34. The number of deaths from infantile diseases was 
301, of which 80 were registered under the head “ not med- 
ically certified”. In 1882, the number was 224. The diseases 
of which these children died are not specified, but it would 
be of statistical importance if such information could be ob- 
tained. If the majority had medical attendance, it may be pre- 17 
sumed that the 80 not medically certified, had no more care 
than was bestowed by parents and relatives or friends. The 
causes of infantile mortality, and of the large number of 
deaths that occur, are matters worthy of consideration, and I 
made some remarks on the subject in last year’s Report. Ac- 
cording to the returns, of the 301 deaths of children, 269 were 
of infants under 1 year of age. This must be looked upon 
as an alarming mortality. 
35. Whilst such a number of deaths, from infantile dis- 
eases, adds seriously to the mortality in the city, there are 
other diseases which occur annually, and increase the death- 
rate, among which Phthisis Pulmonalis takes a prominent 
place. There were 150 deaths from this disease during 
the year, of which 80 were not medically certified—in 1882, 
there were 141 deaths. There is an increased number of 
deaths from brain disease—in 1882, it was 47, this year it 
is 68, being an increase of 21 deaths. If the causes of 
deaths in the public institutions were specified, it would 
be found that a large number of these deaths take 
place in the Lunatic Asylum. It will be seen by reference 
to the returns that whenever there is a comparatively high 
mortality in any month in the Asylum, the deaths registered 
from brain disease are also in proportionate number. 
36. At the early part of the year, there was much diai- 
rhcea and dysentery in the city, but the cases of the latter 
were fewer in number. The cause was ascribed to certain 
states of the atmosphere, and these were noticed by Mr. 
Maxwell Hall, in his Weather Reports. The ranges of tem- 
perature at that period were favourable to the development 
of these diseases. Among the poorer classes, they are too 
frequently caused or aggravated by the wretched charac- 
ter of their habitations, to overcrowding in them, dampness, 
the want of proper ventilation, and the use of food not of 
the best or most sustaining quality. Daring the year, 37 
deaths from diarrhea, not medically certified, were regis- 
tered, and 17 for dysentery. In 1882, there were 27 deaths 
from diarrhoea and 11 from dysentery, so that there was an 
increase of deaths from these diseases. 
97. It was noticed, at different periods ot the year, that 18 
an unusually large number of deaths took place among per- 
sons advanced in years, to what cause attributable was not 
made clear, but it did not escape notice and public comment. 
The mortality list has been considerably added to by these 
deaths, and they have increased materially the death-rate of 
the city. I find by the returns that 82 died at the age of 
65 years, 63 at 75 years, 37 at 75 years, and 22 at the age of 
05 years, making a total of 204. 
38. In determining the actual death-rate in Kingston, 
whilst it is proper that the number of deaths that took place 
in the public institutions should be deducted from the total 
number registered, and that upon the remainder it should 
be calculated, it is also right that it should be known 
what were the causes of deaths in them respectively. I 
have expressed an opinion with reference to deaths from 
brain disease, that the majority registered took place in the 
Lunatic Asylum. So with regard to deaths from diarrhoea, 
dysentery, fever and the few other Zymotic diseases, from 
which there were deaths, it would be of importance to 
know where they occurred. In considering the question, as 
to whether or not all such diseases were brought about by 
alleged insanitary conditions of the city, it would be im- 
possible, with the imperfect knowledge possessed, to arrive 
at a correct decision. As previously shewn, the total num- 
ber of deaths registered was ±272; but deducting 418, the 
number that took place in the public institutions, the death- 
rate in Kingston would be calculated upon 854 deaths, it 
would then be 23.1 per thousand of the population. 
39. The city, throughout the year, was free from any 
epidemic spread of diseases of a dangerous and infectious 
character, so that the Hospital for such diseases was closed 
and unoccupied. Yellow Fever prevailed at different periods 
in the Island of Cuba and also at Baltimore, and they were 
declared to be infected places. Quarantine was accordingly 
established against their ports. With the exception of a 
single death registered from this disease, a case which oc- 
curred in a nati ve of this Island, there was no other in the 
city. The keeping out of the Island of diseases of such a 
character, by means of an efficient quarantine, whilst au 19 
adjacent Island was being depopulated by its rnvngec, is a 
matter vs hich can only be regarded with the highest satis- 
faction . 
40. During the year, alarm was felt at the prevalence of 
( holera in epidemic form in Egypt, and in different Euro- 
pean Countries, it was dreaded that the disease would pursue 
its westward course, and all possible safeguards were used 
by means ol an active and rigid quarantine to prevent its in- 
troduction into them. Fortunately, it did not extend, but 
confined itself to the country where it appeared, where a 
very large number of persons succumbed to the disease. 
Nor was there an absence of fear even at this distance as to 
the possibility of its finding its way to Kingston, and doubt- 
less the Government and the Sanitary Hoards were alive to 
the importance of taking active steps, if necessary, to guard 
against its introduction into the Island. 
41. With reference to Zymotic diseases, and the ap- 
pearance of any in the city of a highly dangerous and in- 
fectious character, I have in my reports dwelt upon the im- 
portance of an early notification of a case of such disease 
appearing in any dwelling, so as to enable the Sanitary 
Board to advise or adopt precautionary measures, with a 
view to the prevention of its spread among the inhabitants. 
I suggested also in those reports that, with regard to such 
cases, the Board should, for the same reasons, lie empowered 
under the Sanitary Laws, to enforce judiciously yet effectu- 
ally, the isolation of such persons. If a Law had been in 
operation in 1814, under which isolation could have been en- 
forced, small-pox would in all probability have been stamped 
out, before it committed such fearful ravages in Kingston 
and throughout the Island. What may be regarded as per- 
missive or voluntary isolation in any dwelling would be 
quite insufficient for the purposes in view, as, unless the 
Board are armed with power to enforce it, when in any case 
objections are raised, and the patient is allowed to be freely 
communicated with by other inmates of the house or visitors, 
there will be no likelihood of a spread of the disease being 
prevented. 1 repeat that the early notification to the SunL 
tary Board, of the presence in any dwelling of a case of dis- 20 
eaFeof a highly contagious and infectious character, and the 
prompt and effectual isolation of such a case, are the only 
certain means by which a check can be given to the dis- 
semination of such diseases. 
42. I have to remark that in former reports I have re- 
ferred to the condition of the dwellings of the poorer classes 
of the community, and I do so again, because of my own 
belief and of the opinion of many persons, that from 
the wretched character of several of such dwellings, the 
health, and even the life of those who inhabit them is 
jeopardized. It may be salely stated that certain dis- 
eases are induced, their progress accelerated, and it is 
to be feared, death occasioned, by the domiciliation of many 
poor persons in some of the miserable tenements that are to 
be found in different parts of the city. If correct statistics 
could be obtained, it would be seen that, of the causes W’hich 
contribute to such a high rate of mortality among children, 
none are likely to be more prominent than the insanitary 
conditions which are inseparable from such tenements. One 
cannot avoid observing that, in some of the principal cities 
of England, the condition of the dwellings of the poor has 
for some time past engaged, and is now still more actively 
engaging, the attention of Statesmen and Philanthropists. 
This leads to the hope that in Kingston, at no distant time, 
some measures, Governmental or Municipal, will be taken 
for the amelioration of the condition of the poor of the city. 
43. Under the provisions of the 1st section of Law 22 
of 1882, entitled, “ The Board of Health Law Amendment 
Law, ” the Sanitary Officers are empowered to act in a par- 
ticular manner, whenever it shall appear that any dwelling- 
houses are so over-crowded, as to be dangerous or injurious 
to the health of the inmates. I trust it wTill not be found 
impracticable to carry out the provisions of this Law, as to 
the manner in which the nuisance of overcrowding shall be 
abated, but it cannot be unnoticed that in dealing with a 
case, after giving an order for the abatement of the nuisance, 
and stating the maximum number of persons who shall be 
allowed to sleep in or otherwise occupy the premises, when there is such orcrcTcwdiBg, it may be an extremely difficult 
matter tor the octupier or ether person in charge thereof to 
know what to do with the number of inmates declared by 
the Sanitary Officer to be in excess, probably, all members 
of a lamily, and the majority, children. Then, this is a penal 
clause, and tor disobedience of any order given by a Sani- 
tary Officer, there is a penalty not exceeding 40s, and in case 
of a second offence, to a penalty not exceeding five pounds. 
44. The total rainfall in Kingston during the year, as 
registered at No. 78 East Street, was 31.07 inches—in 1882, 
it w as 19.59 inches. Although there was an increase upon 
the past year of 12*36 inches, the average rainfall of former 
years was not attained. There wTas an absence of the usual 
season rains in May and October, in the former month, it 
was 1’5 2 inches, and in the latter, 4.38 inches. The highest 
rainlall was in the month of August, when it was 6’85 
inches, and the lowTest in February and December,the fall in 
each month being 0'22 inches. From January to the end of 
July, the total rainlall wras 11‘33 inches, and as in the latter 
month there wTas some fear of the w7ater supply to the city 
being deficient, whilst householders were supplied with the 
usual quantity, a restriction was placed upon that allowed 
lor the Hushing of the thoroughfares. A return of the rain- 
fall, marked B., is appended to this Report. 
45. I have to observe with regard to the Water Supply 
to the city, that it is given in abundance to householders, 
and of the quality, no complaints have been made. It can- 
not, however, have escaped observation that there is a great 
w7aste of w7ater, and this is in great measure the consequence 
of the supply being superabundant. Many householders are 
indifferent about the quantity that runs from their premises 
day and night into the streets, frequently from damaged 
cocks or pipes, and then there are the floods of wTater, which 
are pouring into them from baths at all hours of the day, 
deluging the streets, and causing not only discomfort to the 
inhabitants, but determining insanitary conditions. 
46. In a former Report, I suggested with regard to the 
mode of disposal of water from baths, when it is not requir- 22 
ed fcrgrrrdrrirg rr 6fheT purposes, that contain hours 
should be fixed upon for its escape Irom the different dwel- 
lings in ihe city. Whilst the unpleasantness of wading 
across streams of water, at all hours of the day, would be 
avoided, a simultaneous discharge, within certain hours, of 
such a large quantity of water would subserve the important 
purpose of tlushing the water tab’es, and cleansing them of 
all mud or stagnant water, which they may contain. 
4*7. In the month of July 1882, in consequence of a 
drought in the earlier months of the year, it became neces- 
sary for the Water Works Commissioners to limit the supply 
of water to Kingston. Accordingly, for some weeks, the 
supply was taken off from 9 o’clock a.m. to 3 o’clock p.m., 
daily. Householders made no complaints, they stored away 
enough for domestic purposes, and for gardening purposes 
the supply was ample morning and evening. I believe that 
no harm, but much good resulted. The streets and lanes 
were less deluged with water, and there was a very mark- 
ed diminution of the mud and stagnant water that were pre- 
viously observed in them. No disadvantages resulted, there- 
fore, when an intermittent was substituted for a continuous 
supply of water. 
48. I am unable to express an opinion which would be 
of any weight, with regard to the carrying out of the inter- 
mittent principle, in the same manner as in July 1882, but 
without limit as to time. Here, the question of supply for 
fire purposes comes in the way, and I confess my inability to 
deal with it; nevertheless, I think that the matter might be 
considered by the Board, and some steps taken to limit 
the supply, when there would be less water, and less flood- 
ing of the thoroughfares. 
49. The Inspectors of Nuisances reported during the 
year at the Water Works Office, any flow of water seen in 
their respective districts, from damaged pipes or cocks in 
yards, or from broken pipes in any streets or lanes, and they 
remonstrated with persons who were found allowing water 
through neglect, to run therein from their premises. They 23 
reported 60 cases of such water escapes, being1 20 below the 
number last year. 
50. For infractions of the Sanitary Laws, in 6 cases, the 
Inspectors of Nuisances instituted proceedings in the Police 
Court, and the return marked C, shews the nature of the of- 
fences for which the several persons were summoned before 
the Police Magistrate. These were of the ordinary kind,and 
the few offenders so dealt with were of the humbler classes 
in the community—and commonly they had shewn resist- 
ance, and disregarded the notices and orders served upon 
them to abate nuisances. As a rule, however, it is pleasing 
to observe that the inhabitants, generally, shew greater wil- 
lin guess than formerly to correct sanitary evils, which may 
exist on or about their premises, whenever called upon to do 
so. This may be attributed to a more general knowledge 
possessed by householders of their duties, and of the respon- 
sibilities that attach to them under the force of the Sanitary 
Laws. 
51. The number of complaints made through written 
communications amounts to 45. A return, marked D, shews 
the number and character of these complaints, which were 
made by householders and others in the city. Attention 
was generally given to them by the officers of the Board, 
and when of a just character, were promptly and effectually 
dealt with. Some complaints were made by persons who 
misconstrued the Sanitary Laws, and were unaware of the 
difference between what constitutes a private nuisance, to be 
dealt with by themselves, and that which is a public nui* 
sance dangerous to health, of which alone the Board takes 
cognizance. No action was taken upon such complaints, 
and the reason was explained to the complainants. It is to be 
feared, however, that some of these were influenced by other 
motives than a desire to guard their own or the public 
health from danger. Such conduct is on a par with what 
has sometimes been discovered in investigating complaints 
made, in apparent sincerity, by a certain class of persons, 
and which led me in my last Report to observe that,“In some 
instances, it was ascertained that there was no foundation 
for making complaints, and that they were vindictively and 24 
untruthfully made by neighbours, with whom there had 
been some misunderstanding, and sometimes by tenants 
against landlords, between whom there had been quarrels 
about the payment of rent.” 
52. The town of Port Royal, included in the sanitary 
district of the City and Parish of Kingston, has received the 
usual attention of the officers of the Board, and throughout 
the year, the town has been in the same remarkable state of 
cleanliness, that has been noticed for some years past. It 
does not cover a large extent of land, and little time is occu« 
pied in walking over the place, and unavoidably observing 
the cleanly condition of the thoroughfares and of other lo- 
calities in the Town. This has been done by visitors, persons 
of respectability and good standing in the community, who 
from time to time have borne testimony to the clean state in 
which the Town is kept. It is- the result of systematic 
and efficient scavenging, as well as of careful supervision, 
although it must be admitted that, unlike what is the case 
in Kingston, where there is a great amount of traffic and 
business, there is never at any time in the streets, any ex- 
traordinary accumulations of refuse matter, requiring an ex- 
cessive amount ot labour for their removal. Particular at- 
tention is given daily to the public latrine and its imme- 
diate surroundings, the former being frequently cleansed and 
limewashed. A representation having been made to the 
Board of the want of such a place,solely for the use ol temales. 
and due consideration having been given thereto, it is satis- 
factory to know that the erection of such a building will 
shortly be commenced. This is a proper proceeding, and upon 
the grounds alone of decency and propriety, will be apprecia- 
ted by the people of the Town. A new Market House has just 
been erected, with a well built Landing Place. The former 
having suitable internal arrangements will not only afford 
accommodation, but comfort and convenience to persons who 
may go to the Market, either to vend articles of food or to 
make purchases, whilst the new Landing Place will be a 
source of much convenience, and will afford facilities 
to those who may visit the Town for marketing or other 
jnftugxffitie. No doubt that, wider proscribed Rules and 25 
Regulations, the market will he kept in an orderly and 
cleanly state, and that care will be taken that persons who 
may go there to sell provisions, fruit etc., will not be allow- 
ed, as hitherto, to sit and display such articles in the streets, 
but be compelled to take them into the building. As in 
Kingston so at Port Royal, there is a proneness among such 
persons to indulge a habit of the kind, which for sanitary 
and other reasons should be discouraged and prevented. 
53. There is not, as is the case in Kingston, any official 
registration of sickness at Port Royal, and, therefore, it is 
impossible to know what has been the sick-rate in the 
Town, but with the exception of two cases of Yellow Fever 
that occurred in the G-arrison, which proved fatal,there does 
not appear I o have been a case of any other dangerous dis- 
ease of the Zymotic class. On Saturday, the 2nd June, it 
was reported from Port Royal, that there was a case of 
small-pox in the Naval Hospital, and that the patient, a sea- 
man, had been sent there from H. M. S. “ Urgent,” lying in 
the Harbour. As I anticipated, the case turned out to be one 
of Varicella, although, I believe, the Deputy Inspector-Ge- 
neral spoke of it afterwards as a case of Varioloid disease. 
There was, however, no other case in the Town, either at 
the time or afterwards. Whilst the patient was isolated in 
the Naval Hospital, a system of quarantine was carried out 
both at the Hospital and Dock Yard, as well as on board 
the vessels of war. Cases of Varicella in Kingston were re- 
ferred to by me in the 51st paragraph of my Report for 1882 
and a perusal of it will shewT that sometimes a difficulty is 
experienced in arriving at a correct diagnosis in cases of 
Varicella. 
54. I have obtained from the office of the Registrar- 
General of Births and Deaths, a statement of the deaths re- 
gistered at Port Royal during the year. They were 27 in 
number, and their causes were not dissimilar to those of 
former years It must be observed that of the 27 deaths, 
five were registered as having taken place from Yellow Fever, 
the only disease ot the Zymotic class from which deaths, oc- 
curred in the Town. The death of a policeman from Frysipelas 26 
was registered. I have tmaWe to obtain particulars 
about the case, but the patient was attended by the Deputy 
Inspector-General. Two of the deaths from Yellow Fever 
took place in the Garrison in the mouth ot January, and the 
victims, who were soldiers ot the Royal Artillery, were 
known to be men of imprudent habits and given to intem- 
perance. The remaining three, registered in May, were 
from H. M. S. “Mallard,” one of them a Sub-Lieutenant, the 
other two, seamen of the vessel. The “ Mallard" arrived at 
Port Royal from Port-au-Prince with these tour cases of 
Yellow Fever on board, and they were taken to the Naval 
Hospital. An examination of the Return shews that half 
the number of deaths registered, resulted from incurable 
organic diseases in persons of advanced age, and a few oc- 
curred among young persons and infants, Among the 
deaths from organic diseases, 5 were registered fromThthisis 
Pulmonalis. Of these, 1 took place in a person who, at an 
advanced stage of the disease, went from Kingston to Port 
Royal for change of air. A death is registered of a seaman 
who was medically treated, and died on board his vessel 
(a coal ship) lying in the Harbour, of Acute Pharyngitis. 
It is therefore fair, in determining the correct death-rate in 
the Town, to deduct the deaths in 3 cases of Yellow Fever 
brought to Port Royal in H. M. S. “ Mallard,” and removed 
to the Naval Hospital, also the death from Fhthisis and that 
from Acute Pharyngitis. The death-rate would according- 
ly be 12*T per thousand of the population. It calculated 
upon the total number of deaths registered, it would be 15G 
per thousand, and even this would be regarded as a low 
death-rate, and would indicate a high standard of health in 
the Town. 
55. Reviewing these particulars, as well as others men- 
tioned in my Reports, and seeing that from year to year the 
rate of mortality has been so low, as in a sanitary point of 
view, justly to place Port Royal on an equality with it not 
above important Naval Seaport Towns in England, it is sur- 
prising that any persons could be found, who would have 
the temerity to represent the place as being unhealthy, and 
to venture to affirm officially that, on account ot certain al- 
leged insanitary conditions, Port Royal is the habitat of 27 
Yellow Fever,and other diseases of the Zymotic class. The 
death-rate in 1882 was 16.3 per thousand of the inhabitants, 
and might have been properly reduced if certain other 
deaths had been taken out of the number registered. 
This year, it is 12.7 per thousand. Such facts as these attest 
to the healthiness of the Town, and are sufficient to over- 
throw any assertions that may be made, or any arguments 
used to the contrary. 
56. Notwithstanding these facts, representations bear- 
ing upon the sanitary condition of Port Royal have been 
made from time to time to the Lords of the Admiralty by 
the Naval Authorities, and more recently by Commodore 
Purvis and the late Deputy Inspector-General of the Royal 
Naval Hospital, and their representations seemed to have 
reached their culminating point, when on the 29th May, 
His Excellency the Major'Gfeneral Administering the Go- 
vernment forwarded to the Local Board of Health a copy 
of a letter received by His Excellency from Admiral Com- 
merell, dated 9th May, on board the flag ship “Northamp- 
ton” at Bermuda, with extracts from letters addressed to 
him by Commodore Purvis and Doctor Fegan, relative to 
the sanitary condition of Port Royal. These officers having 
represented that the state of the Town was exceedingly 
bad, the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty had direct- 
ed the Admiral to bring the matter to the notice of His Ex- 
cellency, with a request that, “ after due enquiry, measures 
may be taken to effectually put a stop to the nuisance com- 
plained of, and to cause such precautions to be taken that 
they may not exist in future.” 
57. The tendency of the extracts t aken from Commodore 
Purvis’ letter was to shew that, on aecoiint of certain insan- 
itary conditions, inherent to Port Royal, arising from its 
topography, state of the houses and habits of the people, the 
healthiness of the Town could not be secured, and the 
Commodore concluded his remarks by observing that, “there 
is no doubt that the origin of several of the cases of 
Yellow Fever have with reason been traced to men sleeping 
in the Town.” 
58. The extracts from Doctor Fegan's letter were as fol- 
low :—I have the honor to report 1 know of nothing hav- 28 
mg been done in recent years to improve the sanitary con- 
dition of Port Royal, the inhabitants, their habits and habi- 
tations outrage the laws ol health. I attribute the outbreak 
of Yellow Fever to cosmic and atmospheric influences which 
are endemic to Tort Royal.” 
59. A refutation of these grave charges was made in a 
letter of date 25th June, which I addressed the Board, and 
having been printed by their direction, copies were for- 
warded to the Lords of the Amiralty, who acknowledged 
their receipt. Copies were also sent to the Naval Authorities 
at Port Royal, to persons of distinction at home, and to lead- 
ing men in the Island. I believe that a perusal of that letter 
must have satisfied the Board and readers of it generally, 
that the allegations preferred by Commodore Purvis and 
Doctor Fegan were based upon no correct foundation, and 
that the strongest proofs were afforded that the Town is 
not only a healthy place, but that, as I stated at the close 
of that letter, “ the death-rate among the inhabitants would 
compare favorably with that of any seaport town in Eng- 
land, or with any in the West Indies.” 
60. I would stop here in my remarks about Port Royal, 
but as Doctor Fegan considered it necessary that he should 
refute some of the statements I had made in my letter, and 
justify the opinion he had given about the unhealthiness of 
the Town, a further correspondence resulted, and it was 
carried on, until His Excellency Major-General Gamble was 
about to relinquish the Government of the Colony, at which 
time, Doctor Fegan's career came to a close as Deputy In- 
spector-General of the Royal Naval Hospital, 
61. It will be remembered that in my Report for 1882, 
I stated, in the 10th paragraph, that an account had appeared 
in an English newspaper, to the effect that an epidemic of 
Yellow Fever had prevailed at Port Royal in that year, but 
that through the praiseworthy efforts of the Medical staff and 
the naval authorities, the disease was quickly stamped out. 
1 gave it an unqualified contradiction, and stated that there 
had been nothing of the kind; and I farther remarked that 29 
I made this statement publicly and for the information of the 
Board, in order that if its correctness be challenged, I may be 
called upon for its iustification. 
62. It would occupy too much space, nor do I think it 
material, as the correspondence is in the possession of the 
Board, to go over the various matters therein discussed, but 
in an endeavour to shew that such an epidemic really pre- 
vailed in 1882, Doctor Fegan has not strengthened his posi- 
tion by advancing, in addition to the theories he had already 
put forward, others of a still more absurd character, to 
shew further causes of the unhealthiness of Tort Royal, ig- 
noring the fact that the healthiness of the Town had been 
incontestably proved. And then with regard to those 
seaman on board ships of war in the harbour, who were 
attacked with Yellow Fever, and died of the disease in 
the Naval Hospital, Doctor Fegan’s theory is that they 
took the disease ashore. In the correspondence in question 
I have demonstratively shewn that, in reality, at the 
time they were so attacked, the Naval Establishments 
were undergoing a strict quarantine, which was enforced by 
himself, and that no crews of vessels of war were allowed 
to leave them, and therefore were seen in the Town. This 
is a fact which can be supported by abundant testimony. 
The conclusion is that the occurrence at that time of 
Yellow Fever on board a vessel of war in the harbour was 
wholly unconnected with any insanitary conditions, alleged 
by Dr. Fegan to be endemic to Port Royal. and favorable to 
outbreaks of Yellow Fever. 
63. It is evident, however, that this epidemic of Yellow 
Fever was known only to the Deputy He 
has attempted, but failed, to give any satisfactory explana- 
tion that he caused the fact to be known to the G-overn- 
ment. The Health Officer at Port Royal, who, I am informed, 
had an intimate acquaintance with Dr. Fegan, and was 
allowed free access to the Naval Hospital, had no knowledge 
of the epidemic. Neither the Central Board of Health nor 
the Quarantine Board was furnished with any report from 
the Naval Authorities or the Health Officer, of the existence 30 
of Yellow Fever in that town during the year 1882. The 
Local Board of Health never heard of it, until I made allu- 
sion in my Report to what had appeared in an English 
newspaper. As Commissioner of Health, 1 had not the re- 
motest idea of anything of the kind. I made records in 
that year, of the deaths from Yellow Fever and other diseases 
that occurred in the Naval Hospital, and had constant offi- 
cial intercourse with Port Royal, but I never heard of an 
epidemic of Yellow Fever- It has been officially communi- 
cated to the Board that, during that year, clean bills ot health 
were issued to all vessels leaving the port of Kingston and 
Port Royal. It may be further observed that the medical 
profession in Kingston had no knowledge of such an epi- 
demic, and it is remarkable that I have not met a single in- 
habitant of Port Royal or Kingston who had ever heard 
of it. It is the more astonishing that such a profound secret 
should have been maintained about the epidemic, seeing 
that it was not characteristic of the Deputy Inspector-Gfene- 
ral to be passive or indifferent whenever Yellow Fever or 
any other infectious disease appeared on board vessels of 
war, and the sick were taken to the Naval Hospital, as the 
naval establishments were then, as a rule, immediately 
quarantined, and communication between the vessels of 
war and the town prevented. 
64. Doctor Fegan stated in one of his communications 
that 7 officers and 43 seamen and marines were treated in 
the Naval Hospital for Yellow Fever during the epidemic, of 
which number, 4 died—4 of the officers were of the Staff of 
the Hospital-*-15 men came from the Dock Yard—8 men 
from H. M. S. '‘Tyrian”, that had not been out of the har- 
bour for more than a year, and the remainder from ships ly- 
ing in the port. With reference to these cases, he under- 
took to submit a copy of his professional report on the epi- 
demic, giving a history of each case. There was some delay 
in furnishing it, and in the mean time, Doctor Fegan was 
requested to state therein, in addition to other information, 
the dates when the patients were attacked and died or re- 
covered. 
05- After the lapse of three months, a statement was 31 
furnished by him, entitled “A detail of the symptoms of oases 
of Yellow Fever under treatment in the Royal Naval Hospi- 
tal, Jamaica, 18 -32,” This document, as I observed in a let- 
ter to the Board, dated 17 th December was, on examination, 
considered to be highly unsatisfactory, as it lacked informa- 
tion on most important particulars, and there was nothing 
in it to shew that the fever cases, of whatever type they may 
have been, had their origin in any cosmic and atmospheric 
influences endemic to the town. The names of the men and 
the ships to which they belonged should haye been men- 
tioned, when the ships arrived at Port Royal and from what 
ports they came, if the men had been ashore and if so for 
what purpose, whether on duty or for pleasure, if any had 
slept ashore and what were their habits. A brief outline of 
the medical treatment should have been given, and the 
dates of recovery as well as of deaths. Similar information 
should also have been given with regard to the men from the 
Dock Yard, and to the cases that occurred at the Naval Hos- 
pital. 
66. Again, ft was deemed unsatisfactory, because, as I 
further stated in that letter, all that could be gathered from 
the document was, that in many of the cases, numerically 
recorded, the pathognomonic symptoms of genuine Yellow 
Fever were wanting, whilst a majority of the patients, some 
of them natives, seem to have suffered from ordinary fevers, 
some of a mild and others of a more severe character. The 
mortality was accordingly low, only 8 per cent, such a per 
centage of deaths never having been known in any outbreak 
of Yellow Fever in Jamaica or elsewhere, so far as I am 
aware. I may state, and the facts are on record, that during 
a severe epidemic of the disease in Kingston in the year 
1853, the death-rate in the city was 75 per cent, and at the 
Public Hospital, nearly 50 percent. 
67. It will have been noticed that of 50 cases of Yellow 
Fever under treatment, the Deputy Inspector General stated 
that there were 4 deaths. Looking over his statement, it 
is seen that he explains that, of the 50, 8 were cases of less 
intensity, but having well marked symptoms of Yellow 32 
Fever. But it is a remarkable circumstance, that 4 deaths 
from the disease had been registered by Doctor Fegan, as 
having occurred in the Naval Hospital during the epidemic, 
and during the correspondence in question, he stated the 
same in one of his letters, but in this document, 6 deaths in- 
stead of 4 are mentioned, and by way of explanation, the 
Deputy Inspector-General observes, “ of the 6 deaths two 
were directed by the Medical Director-General to be classifi- 
ed as Yellow Fever.” The inference is, that the Medical 
Director General in England, who never saw' the patients, 
but must have read or heard something ol them, wras led 
in two cases to question the correctness of Doctor Fegan’s 
diagnosis, although the said two cases had been under his 
special observation and care in the Naval Hospital, and had 
been registered by him as having died from other diseases. 
With regard to this strange occurrence, I remarked in a letter 
I addressed the Board, previously referred to, “ comment 
is unnecessary.” Even a non-professional person would 
ask what is the value of a statement purporting to be a record 
of 50 cases of Yellow Fever treated in the Royal Naval 
Hospital, when the medical officer in charge should shew 
such a degree of innocence about two fatal cases that were 
under his observation, as to have rendered it necessary for 
the Medical Director-General in England (I presume on per- 
usal of a history of the cases) to direct that they should be 
“ classified as Yellow Fever,” although the deaths had been 
registered here by the Deputy Inspector-General as result- 
ing from other diseases.” 
68. I still maintain that there was no epidemic of Yellow 
Fever at Port Royal in 1882, and as I stated at the close of 
my letter of the 1 Ttli December to the Board, “ I reiterate, 
with increased firmness, that there was no epidemic of 
Yellow Fever at Port Royal in the year 1882, and if Doctor 
Fegan should still maintain his opinion, I respectfully 
submit that the matter is of sufficiently grave importance to 
the reputation of the Colony, as to justify further and rigid 
enquiry by the Lords of the Admiralty.” 
69. Arising out of the representations made by the 33 
liaval authorities, and my letter in reply of the 25th .Tune, 
on the sanitary state of Port Royal, a report was made 
thereon to the Government by Doctor Mosse. C. 15., Super- 
intending Government Medical Officer, who by direc* 
tion of His Excellency the Major-General Administering 
the Government, had made a personal and most careful in- 
spection of the Town. On the recommendation of Doctor 
Mosse, His Excellency directed that the Board might be ask- 
ed whether they would consider it a $?ood arrangement Io 
appoint the Sergeant**Major ot Constabulary at Port Itoyal 
an Inspector of Nuisances. The matter was duly consider- 
ed by the Board, and he was so appointed. Before this de- 
cision was arrived at, the correspondence was referred tome 
for remarks, and with reference to the appointment, I stated 
in a communication to the Board that, “ the suggestion oi 
His Excellency that the Sergeant-Major of Constabulary 
should be appointed Inspector of Nuisances, if carried out, 
is calculated to benefit Port Royal materially, it is not 
practicable for the- Inspectors in Kingston to give that close, 
daily attention to duties which this officer who is resident 
at Port Royal can do. He has for years given very valuable 
aid to the Sanitary Officers, and if his status were officially 
recognised, I think it would lend greater weight to his au- 
thority in these matters.” 
70. Doctor Mosse also made suggestions in his Report, 
with regard to some other matters of a more or less insani* 
tary tendency, and he advised that action should be taken 
for their prevention or removal, but he nowhere suggested 
that the cases of Yellow Fever, that had occurred in the 
Town, might have arisen from the condition of things he 
saw, but on the contrary, practically shewed that he found 
nothing to induce him to think so. 
71. Having endeavoured to shew that the allegations 
made by Commodore Purvis and the Deputy Inspector-Ge- 
neral were not founded on facts or careful observation- and 
it may be, not on sufficient knowledge of the subject with 
which they ventured to deal—.and having pointed out that, 
no proof has been afforded that Yellow Fever is endemic to 34 
Port Royal, and that no epidemic of the disease prevailed in 
the Town in 1882, I take the liberty of introducing here, 
the following important remarks made by Doctor Mosse in 
his Report. : “ Having had the advantage of perusing the re- 
marks of the Health Commissioner, in the correspondence 
which has arisen on the Reports of the Senior Naval Officer 
and Deputy Inspector-General of Hospitals, R. N., with 
special reference to the presence of Yellow Fever there, I 
feel that I can add but little to the array of facts so concisely set 
forth by Doctor Scott, and which to my mind clearly refute 
the erroneous impression that the disease is alwrays ende- 
mic. The history of the few7 fatal cases registered under 
that head during 1882-83, the period under discussion, points 
to their introduction from without. Had the persons whose 
deaths were so recorded, remained on board their respective 
ships, instead of being received into the Naval Hospital, the 
healthiness of the station conld not have been impugned. 
The presence of an occasional case of this or other malignant 
disease cannot be regarded as tantamount to an epidemic. ’ 
72. It does not occur to me that there is any other mat- 
ter in connection wTith the sanitary state of Kingston wdiich 
it is necessary for me to bring to the notice of the Board. 
Upon material and more prominent questions, T think 
dwTelt sufficiently, and although I have not enumerated va* 
rious matters touched upon in previous Reports, which are 
among those that give rise in greater or less degree to in- 
sanitary conditions, bm whit h cannot now be dealt v'ith 
by the Sanif a-y Officers, 1 have asked the Board to keep 
them in view, and give them equal attention. I w'ould 
strongly advise that the present City Regulations be early 
and carefully looked over and revised. If this ’ ere done, 
many irregularities and abuses would, under Municipal ac- 
tion be got rid of, and various sanitary detects be effectually 
dealt with by the Sanitary Board. There is not such a high 
conception among the masses of the people, writh regard to 
w’ha.f constitutes order, propriety and cleanlines about their 
households, as to make it a matter of indifference, whether 
or not there are proper and effective Municipal and Sani- 
tary Regulations. 1 would simply remark that a great ob- 35 
stacle in the way of improvement and advancement in Mu- 
nicipal and Sauitary matters is the. absence and want of 
such Regulations. As I stated in one of my Reports, I shall 
be willing, at any time I may be called upon, to give to the 
Municipal Board, when framing such Regulations, such in- 
formation as I may have derived from experience and obser- 
vation. 
71 I have now to remark that the Inspectors of Nuis- 
ances have performed their duties actively and efficiently. 
Sanitary Officers, from the nature of the duties they have 
to perform, ire not, as a rule, popular in communities, but it 
is satisfactory to state that the Inspectors have managed to 
get through a large amount of work, without incurring the 
ill-will or displeasure of householders in the city. 
74. I close this Report wiih an expression of my con* 
tinned desire to do all that is possib .* to briny- about the 
best sanitary state of K! lgston, feeling that this is 'sseutial 
to the health, comfort and welfare of the inhabitants. 
I have the honor to be, 
Sir, 
Your obedient servant, 
JAMES SCOTT, 
Commissioner of Health. MONTHS. 
No Sweepers em- 
ployed. 
* >-. 
O 
o A 
6 
ft 
No. of Loads re- 
moved by Carts. 
No. df foul yards 
cleaned. 
No. of enclosed 
Lots cleaned. 
No. of unenclosed 
Lots cleaned. 
No. of Cesspools 
cleaned in Streets 
and Lanes. 
No. of Cesspools 
abandoned in Streets 
and Lanes. 
QJ 
o* 
CQ 
rp r- 
o 
o’ 
ft 
No. of Latrines 
cleaned by notices 
and orders. 
No. of Latrines 
cleaned by verbal 
orders. 
£ 6 
lag 
111 
3 *e « 
C, fe g 
° o 2 
6 a 
January 
215 
162 
1,596 
0 
1 
2 
2 
59 
4 
9 
323 
February 
190 
144 
1,431 
4 
4 
54 
4 
14 
323 
March 
204 
156 
1,540 
3 
1 
14 
1 
78 
17 
8 
328 
.April 
198 
150 
1,477 
7 
2 
7 
70 
11 
14 
287 
May 
215 
162 
1,607 
3 
12 
64 
10 
11 
317 
J une 
203 
1 56 
1,522 
8 
9 
9 
6 
293 
July 
203 
156 
1,549 
2 
2 
1 
1 
42 
8 
9 
320 
August 
216 
162 
1,605 
8 
2 
11 
1 
56 
y 
6 
325 
September 
205 
150 
1,454 
1 
• 
9 
26 
9 
294 
October 
2 16 
162 
1,610 
3 
11 
19 
4 
6 • 
352 
M ovember 
208 
156 
1,588 
10 
22 
11 
7 
350 
December 
j 
208 
156 
1,430 
6 
1 
11 
15 
5 
2 
333 
Total j 
1 
2,481 
1,872 
18,40y 
60 
101 
• 2 
3 
538 
100 
98 
3,853 
.TAMES SCOTT, Commissioner of Health, 
A—Summary of Work &c., performed under Law 6 ot 1867 from the 1st day of January, toth# 
31st December, 1883, under the special direction and supervision of the Inspectors ofNui»* 
ances for the Parish of Kingston, B.—Kainiall regith red at No. 78 East Street, Kingston, from 
the 1st of Janrary to 31st December, 1885. 
January 2.80 inches. 
February 22 “ 
March , 3.02 
April 33 
May 1.52 
June..... 2.30 
July.. 1.14 
August 6.85 
September 4.43 
October 4.38 
November 4.16 
December... 22 
L* , 
Total .31.97 inches. 
JAMES SCOTT, Commissioner ox Health, Name. 
Residence. 
Offence. 
Date of Trial. 
Result. 
Walter G. Hendriks. 
76 Water Lane. 
Not complying with no- 
tice and order to clean 
Latrine. 
For not deodorizing night 
soil, removed from the 
15th, May. 
21st, May. 
Fined 20/. 
Fined 5/. place 
of Residence 
■ 
John Stephenson. 
Public Hospital. 
20th, June, 
not known. 
Mary Anne Gordon. 
63 Water Lane. 
Not complying with no- 
tice and order to clean 
Fined 20/. 
Latrine. 
21st, July. 
Case withdrawn, 
Susan W iliams. 
Water Lane. 
Burying contents of privy 
in a private yard. 
the night soilhav* 
ing been removed 
and taken to the 
place of deposit-. 
David Aguilar. 
Princess Street. 
Exposing rotten salt fish 
for sale. 
Carrying stable manure in 
2nd. August. 
8th, November. 
Dismissed. 
Fined 21/. 
Charles Small. 
an open dray, dropping 
|some in the Street, and 
refusing to have it re- 
moved. 
sr 
JAMES SCOTT, Commissioner ot Health. 
0.—Return shewing the names of persons prosecuted by the officers of the Local Board of Health 
of Kingston, under Law 6 of 1867, from the 1st day of January to the 31st December 1883., —Return of Complaints made by Householders, and others 
of Nuisances in the City of Kingston, from the 1st Jan- 
uary to the 31st December 1883. 
Foul Privies lfi 
Premises without water closet—insanitary conse- 
quences 1 
Stagnant water and mud in the thoroughfares 5 
Noxious water in the Street from the cleaning of tripe.. 1 
Noxious water thrown from premises into the Streets. 1 
Foul water allowed to run into a neighbour’s premises.. 1 
Foul emanations from premises, through cleaning of 
tripe X 
Carcass in the Streets 1 
Foul emanations from stable yards 2 
Unenclosed lots of land with much vegetation, and 
receptacles for filth 4 
Insanitary condition of the Town of Port Royal 1 
Foul condition of Chancery Lane 1 
Refusal of cartmen to remove sweepings from prem- 
ises X 
Insanitary condition of Lower Princess Street 2 
Foul condition of land in neighbourhood of Railway.. 1 
Intention to erect a brick-kiln, and to burn bricks in 
the neighbourhood of a resident householder 1 
Foul condition of burial grounds 2 
Stagnant water kept on certain premises 1 
Rubbish and filth kept on an unenclosed lot of land 
in the burnt district 1 
Offensive sm 1 is near the sea-beech (Eastward) 1 
Total 45 
JAMES SCOTT, Commissioner of Health