Bubonic Plague
In January 1900 Sydney was terrified by an outbreak of bubonic plague. In May a case was reported in Fitzroy. The Northcote Council reacted quickly to this threat with the Town Clerk, William Swift, warning ratepayers of the danger and offering a bounty for every rat killed. Northcote and Preston were especially at risk as the tanneries located in the area would be a natural breeding ground for the rodents.
There are no recorded instances of anyone getting bubonic plague in Darebin.
Sources
Northcote Leader (Melbourne), Newspaper, Northcote 1882 –
