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Gentlemen,
During the five weeks which are included between the 21st of November nnd 20th at
December, 106 births and 50 deaths have been registered. During the four weeks nt tbo
same period last year I had to inform you that 65 deaths had taken place. But tho
mortality this year has not exceeded the average number when taking into consideration
the increase of population in the district.
Nine deaths have taken place from inflammatory affection of tho lungs. Five deaths
have taken place from consumption of the lungs. Thirteen from epidemic disease, viz: —
17th Dec. Smallpox, Phconix Square.
,, Scarlatina, Ravensbourno Tcrracc.
29th Nov. Scarlatina, Union Workhouse.
16th Dec. Diphtheria, Lady Well.
20th „ Fever, Lewisham.
22nd Nov. Diarrhoea, Bell Green.
17th „ Smallpox, Windsor Terrace, West Kent Park.
19th ,, Diptheria, South Road, West Kent Park.
30th „ Measles, Wells Road.
13th „ Influenza, North Road, West Kent Park.
18th Dec. Measles, Wells Road.
22nd „ Measles, Hanover Street.
2lst „ Measles, Russell Street.
The mildness of the weather and dampness of the atmosphere have been favourable
to the spread of epidemic disease. The only exception to this being typhus fever, which,
as it originates from overcrowding and starvation is liable to spread more in colder
weather when houses are necessarily more closed, and therefore not well ventilated, and
when work is not so easily obtainable—and accordingly we find that measles is very
prevalent, more especially in Sydenham ; scarlatina in a minor degree.
Smallpox, though occurring in those parts of the district most crowded and less
favoured by sanitary regulations, is not spreading in any alarming degree, as all available
means have been taken to render the houses of those suffering from this disease, in
as favourable a sanitary condition as practicable under the circumstances.
Sporadic cases of fever have occurred, but this disease is not epidemic.
Whilst mentioning this class of disease, I feel it my duty to state that the establishment
of a small hospital (or as it used formerly to be termed " pest house"), constructed
upon an elevated and open space of ground, would be of great use in this district, and
would tend in the most important manner to check the progress of epidemic disease,
and thus not only save life but be likely to promote the pecuniary benefit of the district.
lhe small house for the reception of contagious diseases at the Union Workhouse has
been of great value to the parish.
An iron apartment could be constructed at a moderate expense, and could be soarranged
as to be added to if increased room were required. Thus patients suffering from
the more dangerous classes of epidemic disease could be at once removed from their
houses and receive, in many instances, such care and attention and fresh air as they
could not by possibility obtain in their own homes.