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Gentlemen,
The mortality during the month included between the 20th of July and the 24th of
August, amounts to thirty-eight, which, taking into consideration the increase of population,
is not above the average,
Seventy-five births have been registered during the month.
Four persons have died from epidemic disease, namely—
30th July. Diptheria, Church Grove, Lewisham.
22nd „ Diarrhoea, Spencer Place, Blackheath.
6th Aug. Small pox, Raglan Place, Sydenham.
15th „ Diarrhoea, Bell Green, Sydenham.
Six persons have died from consumption, and two from inflammation of the lungs.
A man aged about 50 was found dead on the 11th inst., apparently from want and
exposure.
A master mariner, aged 65, died suddenly on 23rd of July, in a first-class carriage on
the Crystal Palace Railway.
No fresh case of smallpox has occurred. Summer diarrhoea from chills, and indigestible
food, is prevalent in the whole district.
With reference to the contamination of the Ravensbourne water, as explained in a
recent report, I believe from extensive observation, that no plan of drainage would be
successful which did not entirely absorb the Poole river, and remove it from the
Ravensbourne.
The sources of polution are, many of them, far removed from this district, and are so
numerous and extensive, that in my opinion, no other plan can be successful.
The inhabitants living near the course of this stream and its polluted tributaries, all
complain bitterly, and not without cause, as its foul smell must be a ceaseless source
of illness.
In pursuance of the direction of the Board, I have again visited the Rushey Green
district; the nuisances complained of consist of various kinds, which I have enquired
into. A great many pigs are kept in this neighbourhood, indeed, in a portion of the
district, a pigsty seems to exist at the back of almost every cottage; some are kept in a
moderately clean condition, others are very filthy and offensive, and require removal or
repeated inspection; the aggregate smell from these nuisances is very offensive. In
the "Rising Sun" yard some offensive manure was lying, which should not be allowed
to accumulate in an inhabited locality. Pigs are also kept here, but the styes were
being lime-washed and cleansed.
At Mr. Jones's manufactory I examined some coppers containing offensive material,
left after melting down some damaged lard, salvage bought from the site of the fire at
London Bridge. It was in melting this substance (always in the night), that the
injurious smells complained of by the neighbours originated. This will, 1 am assured,
not be repeated again. Pigs are also kept here, but in a very clean condition.
Complaints have been received of the offensive state of the ditch or open sewer in
Perry Vale.
Meteorological tables and tables of mortality are appended as usual.