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7
Gentlemen,
During the four weeks which have elapsed since my last report was presented to you
47 deaths have occurred within the district, a number still in excess of the average but
not so when calculating for increase of population.
Four deaths have t.aken place between the ages of 70 and 80 years, and two between
the ages of 80 and 90. Nine from consumption of the lungs, and four from inflammatory
affections of the lungs.
Ten deaths have token place from epidemic disease in the under-mentioned localities.
22nd April, Starlet fever, Kirkdalc, Sydenham.
26th „ Scarlet fever, Kirkdolc, Sydenham.
23nd ,, Diarrhoea, Lower Sydenham.
30th ,, Typhoid fever, Sydenham Park.
30th „ Measles, Prospect Cottage, Sydenham.
5th May, Measles, Wells Road.
5th „ Measles, Wells Road.
7 th „ Scarlet fever, Laurie Park.
19th „ Scarlet fever, Laurie Park.
15th „ Measles, Windsor Terrace, Wells Road. S.
Scarlet fever has been very prevalent in this district and fatal in its character; four
deaths from this disease enumerated in the above list have occurred in two families.
(1 he covered boundary ditch in Laurie Park, between the parish of Beckcnham and
hamlet of Penge, and over which a portion of a house in Laurie Park is situate, is at
times very offensive.)
Measles and whooping cough are also prevalent. These two epidemic diseases are
now affecting the children in the North Surrey School, where also opthalmia has been
prevalent
Four cases of smallpox have Oecurred in one house in West Kent Park, but the disease
is not prevalent, and no deaths are registered from this cause. The prevalence
however of the disease in other localities has had the effect of stimulating a large number
of persons in this district to become vaccinated; a desire that should be encouraged
amongst others, at the presence of a number of unvuccinated persons in the district is
certain to favour the propagation of smallpox. In case of which disease occurring, what
remains to bo done is to afford means for the conveyance, reception, and treatment of
persons Buffering with this disease. On this subjeot a circular has been issued by the
"Association of Medical Officers of Health" of the Metropolis, in which it is argued
that "whenever a case of smallpox occurs in a populous locality, that the parties
ought, in the interests of public health, to bo removed as soon as possible," and they
advise that temporary buildings be opened in such situations as may be best suited for
the purpose. The number of persons who have taken this disease in this district has
been so minute, that such adviee may appear to be inapplicable ; but it is to be remembered
that although the cases are limited in number, the danger in each case of allowing
the patient to remain in his own residence, and the consequent necessity for removal,
remain as great.
Although no case of smallpox has occurred at the North Surrey School, children are
occasionally received from houses in which the disease has occurred, therefore the "Board
of Management" have, in consequence of my recommendation, ordered a temporary hut
to bo erected in the adjoining field for the reception of any case which may possibly
appear in that establishment,
Penge—
A report was presented to the Board some months back detailing the offensive state
of the " Poole River," and the consequent contamination of the " Ravensbourne
the large quantity of sewage poured into it. This evil has been, and is, continua y
increasing in consequence of the increase in the number of houses and inhabitants, an
should the summer be a dry one, these streams must become little other than Filth open
sewers, and most prejudicial to the health of the inhabitants near to them , it is
fore urgently required that something should be done to connect the drainage o Penge
with that of Lewisham.
Sydenham—
The drainage of Wells Road requires attention. Springfield, Wells road is still