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Sydenham only to five. In the Union "Workhouse the mortality has exceeded the average,
the deaths numbering 9. These, however, have been principally amongst the aged.
Scarlatina is still prevalent in the district, and has been so for some months. Several
deaths have taken place from this disease in the undrained localities; of these three
have occurred at Southend, and one at Wells Road, Sydenham.
In West Kent Park (a place notorious for its insufficient drainage and offensive odours,
notwithstanding the great facilities for efficient sewerage), some cases of typhus fever
exist! Some formidable diseases of the epidemic class I have had several times within
the last few months to bring before your notice.
In Angel Terrace, Loampit Hill, typhus fever has also broken out. These houses
have been but recently drained, and it is important to enquire whether the cesspools
have been properly emptied, cleansed, and filled in. No water is supplied here, which
renders the drainage comparatively ineffectual.
An accident has occurred at the North Surrey Industrial School, in consequence of
some of the children partaking of water which had been drawn from the engine boiler,
and which contained a poisonous solution used for the purpose of keeping the metal
clean; but no death (as has been reported) has occurred there from this or any other
cause during the month.
Lewisham.—Many of the inhabitants about the neighbourhood of Loampit Hill and
Rushey Green are still distressed on account of the absence of water supply in their
neighbourhood.
Notices have been served upon the owners of premises at Loampit Hill to drain the
houses into the sewer. It is much to be desired that that should be effected before
another summer approaches, for should cholera attack us, these neighbourhoods would
be far from safe.
Blackheath.—Paragon Mews and Montpelier Row still require your attention to
render their neighbourhoods healthy.
Bath Place is still in an undrained and dirty state.
The drainage of Camden Row and Place will, I hope, soon be carried into the sewer.
It is most important that the offensive privies and cesspools should be cleansed and filled
in, to prevent their still remaining a cause of disease.
Sydenham.—The lane opposite the Old Church, Lower Sydenham, remains still in a
very filthy state. The drainage is most offensive.
Some of the houses opposite Kent House Road are still offensive from overflowing
cesspools. Some of the houses in Hanover Street are offensive from a similar cause.
At West Kent Park the roads are very dangerous. The gulley holes are still (many
of them) open and dangerous, and very offensive.
At the back of Wells Road and Peak Hill the drainage is also very offensive.
Penge—The drainage here is still very offensive and injurious to health. Much
might be done by cleansing ditches at this season of the year. A well at the back of the
" Billet" is still contaminated with drainage.

I have the honour to remain, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
F. E. WILKINSON,
Sydenham, December 31st, 1857. Medical Officer of Health.
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