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80
Gentlemen,
During the five weeks ending upon the 24th of October, the births of 35 males and
24 females (total 59) have been registered.
During the same period 29 deaths have been recorded. This number bears a favourable
average, and is 5 less than during the five corresponding weeks ending upon 27th
October in last year.
Some parts of the district are still suffering from epidemic diseases, and four deaths are
registered from this cause. These disorders appear to me to be kept up and rendered
more deadly by noxious accumulations occasioned by the great deficiency of house drainage
and water supply, and I have again to urge upon the attention of your Board the
importance of using your legitimate power to compel owners of houses to adopt the best
means to render their property cleanly and free from the seeds of disease.
I cannot, however, but constantly observe the great carelessness evinced by many
occupiers of houses as to the purity of water supplied to them, and the filthy state in
which the cisterns and other receptacles for water are allowed to remain, contaminating
the most pure supply; also the want of cleanliness observable in houses, and yards and
gardens attached. The necessity of exerting a little trouble in these particulars cannot
be too much urged upon the public, as essential to the maintenance of health.
Five deaths are recorded in Sydenham from epidemic disease, viz.,
Four malignant scarlet fever, in Lower Sydenham, a locality previously brought
before your notice, and one in Brockley Park. No drainage but into cesspools, overflowing
into ditch.
The brickfield in Dartmouth Park, which I brought before your notice in my last report
as being complained of, is now being done away with, and no more bricks are to be
burned in that locality. It is now, however, of very great importance to use proper
means to carry off the pestilential accumulations of drainage and filth which exist there
in close proximity to, and partly caused by, the houses in Park Road Terrace, which are
not yet completely drained.
Some damage has been done in parts of the district by the large amount of water accumulated
in consequence of the rain on Thursday last. This is not to be wondered at,
when the quantity which fell in 24 hours is considered, viz., 257 inches. "The average
annual fall of rain in London during the 17 years, 1840—56, was 24 inches; consequently
more than a tenth part of the average fall of rain in 365 days fell on Thursday
last. The fall of rain upon an acre was 58,140 gallons, or rather more by weight than
259 tons."—(Greenwich Observatory).
Several districts and houses have been complained of, most of which have, however,
been brought under notice before, viz.,
Hanover Street, Sydenham.
Offensive gullies at the end of "Wells Road, in High Street, Sydenham.
The offensive holes in the drain pipe occupying the old ditch by Round Hill Villa.
A gully required.
Springfield, Sydenham. Diarrhoea very prevalent throughout the summer.
Steele's Cottages, Sydenham, require connecting with the Dartmouth Row drainage.
Cottages in Lower Sydenham. Scarlet fever prevalent.
Wyndham Cottages, West Kent Park. Offensive.
The Swiss Cottage public-house stands close by the sewer, but is undrained, damp,
and offensive.
Camden Row, Blackheath.
Paragon Mews, Blackheath.
Bath Place, Blackheath.
Occasional offensive accumulations at Mr. Phillips's farm, Lewisham, from decomposing
grains and manure.
Loampit Vale. Offensive, and in want of water supply.
Drainage into Ravensbourne from Arnold's silk mill and adjacent,