SCARLET FEVER.

Evening Star, Volume IX, Issue 2520, 15 March 1871, Page 3

SCARLET FEVER.

To the Editor. For some time back reports alluding to a ’highly infectious disease have been chronicled in the columns of the provincial press, and 1 believe in each case the infection is supposed to have been disseminated by the passengers of the ship Robert Henderson or their luggage. That such a supposition should have remained so long unchallenged has excited my surpiise untlLfeceatly, when my attention his been to the matter by circumstances which have occurred in this township, and it is with regret I state that it is the opinion of every person whom 1 have spoken to on the subject, that owing to the defective eapitory regulations of this pen, the passengers of and the Robert Hem.erson were admitted to pratigue before the germs of infection bad been stamped out. An opinion of that disruption must mean that the authorities are either incapable or careless in reference to, quarantine regulations. I have therefore taken a little trouble, in order to be thoroughly acquainted with the particulars, and when 1 contest the apathy of the Government, where the Uvea of human beings are concerned, with tlieir energy, and stringent rules m order to prevent infectious diseases spreading among the flocks and herds in this Province, I hove no hesitation in saying that the Government show an amount of indifference approaching criminality. It is true there is a board of Health in existence, Wt its power fs so, united and its recommendations are so studiously ncgleeted by the Government, that it is a matter .of surprise they do not resign or else insist upon proper sanitary regulations being framed, not only for ships coming to tin port but expansive enough to meet the requirements of townships and the power of CUTving them out. I am con Intent the medical profession in this Province woqul lend a willing hand in assisting to draw up such, bat in the meantime and for the want of them with a contagious dis ase amongst us there is no power in the Board of Health or our Municipal Council to isolate any infectious case which may occur, or from seeing that proper steps are taken to f.ismfect the houses and clothing of such persons who are attacked or brought in witff such case. Many lives will be sacrificed unless Something bo clone j and I bqpp pup Mayor will call the citizens of this tftwa together, when they cannot follow a better example than that shown them by the inhabitants of Invercargill. T I am, «c., R, Ti Rorfc Chalmers, March 14.