Kent & Sussex Courier, Friday 25 September 1903.

How Small Pox is Spread.

Gross Negligence at Snodland.

George Chapman was summoned for failing to notify a case of small pox, at Snodland on 16th August.

Mr. F. J. Allicon appeared to prosecutor and the case, as stated by him, was that in July last defendant's son was taken ill, and remained in the house till the end of that month. Then he went to Burham to reside with his brother. A man name Richardson, living in the same street as defendant, had small pox, and was taken to the hospital, and this was undoubtedly known to Chapman. Last year, too, small pox existed in Snodland to a great extent, and everyone must have known the symptoms of the disease. The fact that defendant refused admission to the Medical Officer showed guilty knowledge, and that they had to get an order for admission was also evidence of this fact.

Dr. A. J. Roberts, Medical Officer of Health for the Malling Rural District, said he had received no notification of the case of small pox in question. There was a case of a man named Richardson taken from May Street, Snodland, where defendant lived on the 2nd August. There was a subsequent case of a Mrs. Chapman at Burham. He then went to see defendant on the 16th August. Defendant refused permission to go upstairs to see his sick son, and also declined to say where another convalescence son was at the time.

The Chairman:- Was anything said at the interview about small pox?

Yes, I said I have reason to suspect that he had small pox in the house.

Mr Allison:- Did he give any information as to what they were suffering from?

No, no information at all.

Continuing, witness said he obtained a Magistrates' order for the removal, and afterwards ascertained that the other son, an imbecile, who was still upstairs, and also had small pox. There was more than one outbreak at Snodland last year.

Defendant said he had no knowledge that the disease was small pox. He had no occupation at present and he was discharge five weeks ago on account of this case.

The Chairman remarked that this was a very serious offence. It was the duty of everyone to give the earliest possible information in such cases. It was necessary in the case of animals, but it was much more important in the case of human beings.

The Bench imposed a fine of £2, and 9s. costs.

A Sequel at Burham.

Ernest George Chapman, landlord of the "First and Last" beer house, Burham, was summoned for a similar offence to which he pleaded guilty.

Mr. Allison said Chapman was son of the last defendant, and brother of the patient, Harold. When the latter left Snodland at the end of July, he went to Burham, and continued there till the 15th or 16th August. Defendant's wife then became ill, and was found to be suffering from small-pox, which she had caught from the brother. The latter then became very much frightened and went away, living in the open air for 5 days. He eventually found his way back to Snodland. Where the Medical Officer went to the "First and Last," he particularly asked him as to who had been to the house. He (Dr. Roberts) was informed that no one had been there, and it was not till late that it was found that Harold had been their.

Dr. Roberts stated that receiving notice of Mrs. Chapman's case he went to Burham on 16th August, and asked defendant particularly whether anyone had lodged in the house and was told that no one had. He also questioned defendant as to the rooms that needed disinfection, and asked whether anyone had slept in the spare room, and he replied that no one had for some weeks. He examined Harold Chapman, who went to the infectious hospital; and had had the disease quite a month before witness saw him, and was infectious up till about a week ago.

Defendant said the doctor's evidence was quite true. He was sorry it happened, as he had only had his brother there for the benefit of his health, and did not know it was small pox until he heard what was the matter with his wife.

The Chairman said this was a more dangerous case than the last, as defendant keeping a public house, it might have caused illness to a considerable number of people. He hoped it would be a warning to others, as it would be to defendant, and he had to pay a fine of £2 and 13s. costs.