View report page

10
Church, being separately walled up, and the ventilation being so ample and well
arranged, Mr. Grainger, the government inspector, deemed it sufficient to order that the
several gratings opening into Church Street, and the grating opening opposite to the rectory,
should be closed; which order has been executed.
In conclusion, permit me to mention, in a few words, what in my opinion, are the most
prolific sources of disease,—the want of cleanliness of the person and of the clothing,—the
want of cleanliness, and of efficient ventilation in inhabited rooms, especially in sleeping-rooms,
—the non-removal of all offensive odours, particularly the offensive odour from over-crowding,
—the cesspool odour, from want of drainage,—the cesslake or sewer emanations from the
defective construction of the sewers,—the deficiency of light, especially of solar light, caused
by the closely-packed houses in narrow courts,—the want of an ample supply of pure water,—
and the deficiency of food and clothing, It is, therefore, to these points that both public and
individual attention must be directed, in order to improve the moral and physical condition of
the people, and to diminish the burdens of the rate-payers, in providing for the sick and
infirm. The laws of health have been established for the well-being of mankind, and it is our
duty to study them, for we shall find, that just in proportion to our non-observance of them, the
amount of sickness and death will correspond.
15, Great Alie Street.
14th Feb., 1860.
I am, Gentlemen,
Tour obedient Servant,
JOHN LIDDLE.