Page 220 - Reading Mercury

nd
Sat 2 Sept
FIRE
On Wednesday afternoon last, between four and five o’clock, the inhabitants of this
town were alarmed by the report that a Fire had broken out in the rick-yard of Mr.
James Weeks, auctioneer, at the back of his sale ground, situate at the entrance to this
town, from Twyford. A large number of persons were soon on the spot with our two
fire engines, and every exertion was used by those presents with untiring zeal to stay
the progress of the flames but owing to the very short supply of water here, their
efforts were in a great measure frustrated. The fire originated in some straw lying near
the hay-ricks at the top of the yard which burnt with great rapidity and soon ignited
some wood and a large pile of bavins, the great heat of which set fire to the hay-ricks,
and two of them were very quickly consumed. The two other hay-ricks close by
caught by caught, and the efforts of the bystanders were chiefly directed to the saving
them, but as we before noticed, the supply of water being short their efforts were
unavailing, and they too were nearly consumed, that portion which was saved being
so damaged as to be almost worthless. Means were, we are glad to say, effectually
taken to prevent the conflagration spreading to the buildings and a large wheat-rick
near, and the wind favouring they were fortunately saved. The fire it is believed
originated accidentally through some children playing in the loose straw with Lucifer
matches. Mr. Weeks’ loss we regret to say is only partially covered by insurance.

rd
Sat 23 Sept
CHOLERA
th
In our notice of this subject last week, our report only extended to Thursday, the 14
Instant, up to which time three deaths had occurred in Rose-street from this fearful
epidemic. Since then we regret to say a number of other cases have occurred mostly in
the same street, varying in intensity, and many of them yielding to prompt medical
treatment; still the number of deaths amounts to eight, leaving several cases under
treatment. A ward for the reception of patients was formed at the union workhouse, to
which most of the sufferers were quickly removed, where every attention was paid
them by the Medical Officer, E. Weight, Esq., and the efficient nurses provided,
whilst other cases were attended to at the residences of the parties. Printed directions
were issued to the public as to the best means of preserving health, and the course to
be instantly adopted on the appearance of the disease; and a committee of the
Guardians was formed, who visited the infected localities, and promptly caused the
removal of nuisances, &c. where requisite; in fact, all other sanitary measures were
adopted which the law permits, although we could wish that the powers given them
were not of so limited a nature, and that they possessed the power to prevent the
creation of those nuisances and other causes of disease’ the temporary removal of
which only they can now effect. The number of cases is rapidly now diminishing.

CHOLERA AND CASTOR OIL
The Medical Council of the General Board of Health appointed a committee to
consider and report upon the treatment of cholera by castor oil. The committee
consisted of Dr. Paris, Dr. Babington; Dr. Tweedie, Dr. Bayly, and Mr. Ward. A
report of the committee has been received and approved by the council. From an
abstract, the details of which have been carefully investigated by the committee, it
appears that in 89 cases of cholera treated by fourteen different practitioners with
castor oil, on the plan recommended by Dr. Johnson, 68 were fatal, recovery having
occurred in only 15 cases, while the 6 remaining cases are still under treatment.

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