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sole use of persons with such diseases; and they should be so constructed as to
allow of patients assuming the recumbent posture.
In conclusion, permit me to remind you, that sanitary improvements will nearly
always be attended with present pecuniary expense, either to the public or to individuals,
and that I shall therefore run the risk, at times, of meeting with active
opposition in the performance of my public duties. I trust, however, that, whilst I
shall studiously avoid interfering with the interests of individuals in a reckless
manner, nothing shall deter me from advising that, which, after mature deliberation,
I consider to be required by the health of the community; and, whilst thus acting,
I feel assured that I shall receive your warm support.
In the accompanying table is a return of the deaths and of the births registered
during the four weeks ending on the 26th April (see Schedule C).
The total number of deaths registered in the four weeks is 304, besides eight
inhabitants of St. Pancras who died in Middlesex Hospital, and five in the Fever
Hospital.
The average of the corresponding four weeks in ten years preceding is 304.6,
which, when raised in proportion to the increase of population, is about 384.
During the past month the health of St. Pancras, in common with the rest of
London, has been better than is usual at this season of the year. The proportion
of deaths to the population has been however quite as high as in the rest of the
Metropolis.
In the Tottenham Court District the number of registered deaths exceeds the
number of births. Of the deaths registered in this district, ten occurred in
University College Hospital, and thirteen in the Strand Union. Of those occurring
in University College Hospital, two belonged to other parishes: but, then, to
compensate for this, we have eight St. Pancras people dying in the Middlesex
Hospital, and no doubt others in hospitals from which I have received no information.
Of the deaths registered in Gray's Inn Lane District, four died in the Royal
Free Hospital, and these were all from other parishes.
SICKNESS OCCURRING AMONGST THE POOR UNDER THE CARE OF THE
DISTRICT MEDICAL OFFICERS DURING THREE WEEKS ENDING
APRIL 26th, 1856.

It must not be considered that the amount of sickness occurring under the notice
of the District Officers is proportional to the total amount of sickness in the locality,
because there are many disturbing causes. In one district there are many more
poor than another, and a much larger proportion who receive parochial relief; and
even amongst the poor, in some localities there are dispensaries and hospitals where
many of them are treated, whilst in others there are no such institutions; still, by
comparing the number of cases occurring at two or more corresponding periods in
the same district, we shall have some guide as to the relative healthiness of the places
at different times.
I remain, Gentlemen, your obedient Servant,
THOMAS HILLIER.