2020: DAY 29
WEEKLY REPORT
APR 15TH – 21st
Register of Letters to the Colonial Secretary:
April 17th: Letter from Dr Deeph Sing (sic), offering services re plague outbreak (it takes 10 days before this letter is referred to C.M.O); H.J. Dunlop writes re employment during plague outbreak (Ref. to Treasury 18/4); Wong Kwang writes seeking monetary assistance on account of being quarantined (No action taken...). Numerous letters from medical superintendents, different hospitals re admission of patients.
April 18th: Otto Kong Sing (sic) writes re formation of a company of Infantry among the Chinese;
April 19th the Attorney-General writes re Mr Harry and his treatment as a cook at theCoast Hospital; Lands Department writes requesting papers relating to application of F. Mitchell to reclaim land at Darling Harbour; Chief Clerk, Woollahra writes re Capitation fee on rats; C.M.O. advises on Promotions at Coast Hospital and Provision of funds for purchase of scientific equipment.
April 20th Works Department advises Tender accepted for certain public works; J. Curtin writes Re dilapidated condition of Police Building in Hunter St.;
April 21st: C.M.O. writes Re Coast Hospital, appointment of nurses and inspection of accounts at Coast Hospital.
Extracts from the Minutes of the Board of Health
April 17: Meeting of the Plague Conference (exclusive group of doctors who spent their Sundays inspecting Quarantine Station etc. – City Hotel King & Kent Sts. - alleged unsatisfactory treatment. Inspector of Nuisances wrote to City Council (to Town Clerk) complaining that place was still filthy after it was certified clean by Board of Health – Case of Guitano Dallardi - Italian of uncertain address who contracted plague. Question of whether provision should be made to better notify Italian community of danger. Not thought necessary.
April 19 – Treatment of City Hotel: President visits place and says that Inspector of Nuisance's report is incorrect. Admits though, that hotel not up to scratch and should be reconsidered when it comes to license renewals. – Plague bacillus in fleas. – Thanks from Messrs Sheppard, Harvey & Walker, - thanking Board for cleansing their premises. – Condemnation of premises in Wexford St. – Condition of certain Govt. properties (considered unsatisfactory) – Disinfection of Letters from Quarantine - letters from Quarantine Station disinfected before despatch.
Register of Deaths
Between April 15th and April 21st, there are 6 deaths from Bubonic Plague: all men – 7 fewer than the previous week.
Illegally-covered laneway, beside 72 Sussex St, Sydney, 1900 - Source: State Library of NSW