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79
Almost all these people are greatly distressed for water; some get it when the carts
which are used for watering the roads come round, or beg it, or in many instances buy it.
Sydenham.—Some cases of typhus fever, and one whole family affected with dysentery,
in West Kent Park, are attributed to the offensive state of this district from cesspools,
superficial drainage, &c.
The open gullies, without gratings, reported in March, 1856, are still the same. I
bring them before your notice again, inasmuch as they have occasioned two accidents
within the last month, one to a horse, and one to a female, who severely injured her leg
from falling down into one of these dangerous pits. Offensive cesspools, opening into
an offensive ditch, exist in the houses in Albion Terrace (before reported). In one instance
the cesspool is under the kitchen floor, with no other cover to it.
The footpath leading from Park End to Forest Hill Station is damp from the want of
two or three gullies, the old ditch having been filled in in the construction of the new
sewer. Part of this footpath was overflowed with drainage a week or two ago, from the
obstruction to a drain which still carries the sewage from Duffin's cow-house, and other
houses, over the sewer into a ditch in Perry Yale.
Offensive yards, ponds, and cow-yards exist at Lower Sydenham, near the turning to
Kent House Farm. There is no outlet for the drainage here, although the old covered
drain, occupying the ditch, exists, and might be made use of. Two deaths from scarlet
fever have occurred here.
Two complaints, one of offensive drainage, from Mr, Lester, Hanover Street, Sydenham,
and one from Mr. Hammond, surgeon, of a stable erected against his house, and
very offensive, require attention.
Meteorological tables are appended as usual.

I have the honour to remain, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
F. E. WILKINSON,
Medical Officer of Health.
Sydenham, September 24, 1857.