Disinfection : part 4

Abstract

Towards the close of the eighteenth century, when the rule of the Order in Malta was coming to an end, the quarantine service had become a heavy burden on the local exchequer. During the period 1779-1788 it costed 12,532 scudi (one scudo is equivalent to about 8 cents 3 mils) whilst during the same period the capital expenditure amounted to 28,083 scudi; During the same decennium the income derived from the Lazzaretto was 13,117 scudi; it came mostly from fees for the storage and disinfection of cargo and merchandise at the rate of one per cen. of their value. Another source of revenue derived from the lease of lands on Manoel Island. On the 18 July 1782, the lands were leased by the Government of the Order to one Maximilian Laferla, for 200 scudi a year. The lease was renewed at the same rent on the 15th August 1798. [excerpt]