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59. Cow Sheds.—These have undergone the usual inspection
during the year, and the whole of them have been improved in
respect of ventilation, drainage, and other accessories.
60. Slaughter-houses.—The Slaughter-houses of the district
have been kept fairly clean and regular.
61.—The Bakehouses have been kept in good condition, and
the orders of the Board in respect of them have been carefully
carried out.
62. Rag and Bone Shops.—The usual difficulties have been
experienced in keeping these shops in a clean and wholesome
condition.
63. Underground Rooms.—Inspector McHugh reports that
very few cases of Underground Rooms illegally occupied have come
under his notice during the year, and that whenever he had cause
to interfere he found no difficulty in getting them vacated without
having recourse to legal proceedings.
Several underground water tanks have been abolished within the
district, and new cisterns erected in the yards.
64. Such is the résuém of the last year's history of the sickness
and mortality of our district. The year was, on the whole, a healthy
one, although characterised by the severest winter experienced since
1855, and by epidemic disease in one of the sub-districts, which
unduly raised its mortality. There is clear evidence, however, of a
general improvement, and there is good reason to believe that, not
only in St. Giles, but throughout the metropolis, the sanitary
regulations that have been in operation for some years past are at
length producing a decided effect in raising the standard of health,
and diminishing the rate of mortality among all classes of the community.
It is to be hoped that the "Artisans' and Labourers'
Dwellings Improvement Bill," now passing through the Legislature,
will largely enhance these beneficial results.
I have the honour to be,
Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
1st May, 1875. GEORGE ROSS, M.D.,
Medical Officer of Health.