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19
from some little distance, and in every case have to throw water down to clcanse the
closet pans; in these cases drainage is useless, because inaffective.
The drains have not been properly flushed, and from the small quantity of rain which
has fallen for the last few months, the drain traps are unstopped, and to the leakage of
drain gas affecting those morbidly disposed, is to be attributed the occurrence of the
disease. The number of pigs also kept in that locality was noted in my last report.
Appended is a note from Mr. Beale, of Lower Sydenham, in consequence of which, on
the 12th inst. I examined the nuisance complained of. A stream of offensive sewage
was running in the ditch at the bottom of the meadow, some 300 yards from the house ;
a pond into which the stream empties itself, is full of black semi-solid sewage (in fact a
large open cesspool), out of which the stream overflows into the adjoining properties.
By reference to my report for May, 1860, you will observe that I pointed out to you
what would take place if the sewage were allowed to run in this direction ; it has now
become a most offensive nuisance.
A gully near Forest Hill Station is every offensive, and requires trapping.
Meteorological tables and tables of mortality arc appended as usual.

Gentlemen,
The mortality of the district is much greater than during the same period of last
year. The death returns during four weeks ending 20th October, 1860, being twentyfive.
The returns during five weeks ending upon the 26th of this month, being
forty eight.
An increase has taken place in the number of deaths referred to the zymotic class of
disease (that class in which sanitary measures can be successfully employed in the way
of prevention), ten deaths being registered from this class of disease; whereas in 1860,
only one death was referred to this class.
Thus in Blackheath—
26th Sept. Female, 89, diarrhoea, The Pitts.