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shall be registered as soon as we find them out. It is a remarkable fact, that
during the cholera epidemic of 1854, only 72 cases of cholera occurred in the
6416 houses which were under the inspection of the police ; the estimated population
of these houses was 82,000. This is a smaller mortality than occurred in
almost any class in the metropolis. When it is remembered that these places are
generally situated in the worst and most confined localities, and that the tenants
usually belong to the lowest and most profligate class, we cannot have a stronger
proof of the advantages resulting from constant and systematic inspection.
A custom prevails amongst the poor which is attended with great evils. On
whatever day of the week a death occurs, the funeral takes place on the Sunday;
and if the death occur on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, the funeral is usually
postponed until the Sunday week. In consequence of this, the corpse remains
in the house for 9, 10, or 11 days, very much to the annoyance of neighbours,
and often with great risk of infection both to the relatives and to others. It is
generally placed in a room where a whole family live, a room which serves as
their only dining-room/ bed-room, scullery, wash-house, and pantry. During
the past 10 days three cases of this kind have come to my knowledge ; one was
a case of typhus fever. This is a very serious evil, and one which would be
even more so during the presence of epidemic disease and in hotter weather.
Can any remedy be suggested ?
The Inspector of Nuisances commenced his duties on Friday, May 30th, and
has already visited 250 houses, and has served a large number of notices for the
removal of nuisances. In many instances we find that the requisite improvements
will be made at once; in other cases we meet with opposition, which
occasions delay and trouble, but will not eventually prevent our attaining the
object in view.
The following is a summary of orders which I recommend that you issue to
proprietors for the removal of existing nuisances:—
In 42 cases to cleanse and lime-wash houses.
To remove dust and rubbish in 32.
To pave yards or cellars in 14.
To provide water-supply in 4.
To empty and fill up 61 cesspools, and complete the necessary works
of drainage, so as to establish a proper communication with
the main sewer.
To repair and trap drains in 59 houses.
To supply water to 12 privies.
To trap 3 gully holes.
To drain and pave a slaughter-house and stable.
As an illustration of the evils with which we meet, I will quote from^one of
the Inspector's reports:—" The whole of the houses in Southampton-court are
in a very bad state of repair; the water closets are without pans and water;