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86
During the corresponding months in 1856 and 1857, the deaths of 23 and 32 persons
were respectively registered.
I have been again called upon to examine the locality in the neighbourhood of Mr.
Bryan Donkin's, Blackheath, which requires a great deal of attention.
Fever has here been attributed (no doubt with justice) to the contamination of the
well water by the numerous cesspools in the locality. Some expense has been incurred
in bringing the sewer up to these points, and it does seem to me urgently necessary for
the health of the inhabitants of this neighbourhood that this new outlet for sewage
should be made abundantly useful, and the numerous and dangerous cesspools be
thoroughly emptied, cleansed, and filled in.
Last month I complained of the want of drainage of Orchard Place, Perry Yale,
between Sydenham and Lewisham. I am informed by the Surveyor that these houses
are at too low a level to be drained into the sewer. The deodorizing process with peat
charcoal in a common receiver might be with great advantage used here, and would in
some measure obviate a nuisance, and increase the healthiness of the locality.
Near the above and opposite a house called "Laurel Brook," is a ditch rendered
offensive by the overflow drainage from a house above. This might readily be drained
into the sewer.
The drainage running along in an uncovered ditch in Kirkdale and the bottom of Peak
Hill is at times extremely offensive, and must be most prejudicial to the health of the
numerous inhabitants around. It would be most desirable to have this covered over
before the summer, as the emanations are then most noxious.
The following localities also require attention on account of their want of drainage, &c.
Bath Place and Paragon Mews, Blackheath.
Ravensbourne Park, Lewisham.
"West Kent Park, Sydenham. Offensive gullies; some of the roads impassable.
Lane opposite Lower Sydenham Chapel.
Also the houses opposite Mr. Gator's road, Lower Sydenham, which are undrained
and offensive, and in which several deaths have taken place from scarlet fever, one of
which I report this month above.
Road leading to Hindsley's Place, Forest Hill, at the back of the Forester Inn. This
road has never been ballasted, and is totally impassable.
The marshy wet land at the back of the North Surrey Industrial School. Here is an
accumulation of water at the back of the infirmary. A trench cut along into the
ditch by the side of the road would obviate this nuisance. It only requires your order,
as the school authorities would be glad to remove the nuisance if allowed so to do.
Meteorological tables are appended as usual.

I have the honour to remain, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
F. E. WILKINSON,
Medical Officer of Health.
Sydenham, 25th February, 1858.