168 TRINIDAD. 



stolen by enterprising parties for private use ; in fact nothing 

 has been done because, forsooth, the colonial chest is empty. 



The Medical Board, the only competent authority, was, I be- 

 lieve, never consulted concerning the general plan and accom- 

 modations of the proposed hospital ; and we may expect it will be 

 constructed upon the plan of some such English building, and 

 without regard to the exigencies of the climate. 



It was once proposed, and it is still considered as feasible, 

 that each ward should have its own hospital. Such a proposition 

 must have emanated from, as it can only be entertained by, per- 

 sons who never reflected for one moment on the position of the 

 island, and the necessary expenses consequent on the formation of 

 an hospital, on however limited a scale. Besides bedsteads, 

 bedding, cloth, and other requisites, a large annual sum will be 

 required for defraying the salaries of the medical attendant, 

 superintendent or resident inspector, and dispenser ; also the 

 hire of the cook, washerwoman, and, at least, one nurse : neither 

 must it be overlooked that the smaller the establishment, the larger 

 the proportionate expenses. One hospital for each county is just 

 the utmost required and possible. 



Numerous facts and extensive observation having proved the 

 great influence that extraneous causes may exercise on the salu- 

 brity of towns and the country generally, the importance of 

 sanatory measures was at once rendered palpable ; and it is in our 

 days regarded as almost a necessity, that a Board of Health, con- 

 sisting of special men, should be established in all well organised 

 communities, for the purpose of watching over the public health. 



Such an institution was formed here ; but it existed only in 

 name. It consisted of all the town councillors and the medical men 

 residing in Port-of- Spain, besides a certain number of house- 

 holders altogether from thirty-five to forty members but was 

 vested with no other authority than that of visiting the court- 

 yards of dwellings, and reporting thereon to the governor. The 

 late visitation of cholera has proved what were the powers of the 

 Board of Health. The members were convened by the governor; 

 a standing committee was appointed to prepare a report, and 

 suggest precautionary and other measures. The report was sent 

 to the governor, and never heard of more. So much for the 

 authority of that Board. 



It is now proposed, it seems, to constitute a General Board of 



