Once more the approach of Asiatic cholera—the nemesis of insanitation, and of “fainéant” local authorities—created anxiety.[105]
It had been widely prevalent in Europe in 1865, and had even shown itself in England, and it stirred into spasmodic and panicky activity the local authorities of London.
In Lambeth a systematic house inspection was inaugurated; 987 houses were examined—735 of them required sanitary improvements.
In Bethnal Green 2,018 were inspected—955 required cleansing and purification.
In many other parishes and districts extra sanitary work was done. The disease made no further demonstration in the winter, but in April, 1866, a case was reported from Bristol, then one from Swansea—then from other places; and in July the Privy Council issued Orders in Council putting the Disease Prevention Act in force in the metropolitan area.
On July 18th, from Poplar, the first case in the metropolis was reported. Two days later an alarming number of cases in parts of East London.
Regulations were issued by the Privy Council defining and requiring the specific services which local authorities ought to render the public.
Some parishes appointed extra Sanitary Inspectors. Thus in Hackney, where there had been but one, four additional ones were appointed; in St. James’ two; in Camberwell two; in Lambeth two; in St. Mary, Newington, five extra were appointed. Some of the work which was reported brings into striking prominence the extraordinary inefficiency hitherto of the authorities in dealing with insanitary houses as well as the neglect into which houses had been let fall, and which was tolerated by those who were responsible for the health of their districts.
In Lambeth 6,935 houses were inspected in 1866; 3,983 improvements were effected.