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14
In reviewing these statistics, one cannot be otherwise than
struck at the low mortality during the past year; in some
parts it has been specially marked, whilst its proportion to
other districts affords cause for congratulation.
But whilst we have every cause for thankfulness at the
improvement of the district so far, yet it must be remembered
that nearly one-fifth of the mortality has been occasioned by
preventable disease; we show only a slightly less proportional
mortality from this cause than the Metropolitan rate this year.
But this district is rendered by nature healthy; it is bounded
by open country ; its surface is of an undulating character, and
affords the greatest facilities for perfect drainage; and it is in
most parts considerably elevated. Therefore, as a result of all
these natural advantages, we should be able to show a less proportionate
mortality from this particular class of disease; which
is well known and accepted to be most under the control of
sanitary science.
In August, 1866, "The Sanitary Act" (29 and 30 Victoria,
chap. 30), was passed, an Act which conferred additional
power upon District Boards.
The Act is partly compulsory and partly permissive.
Of the permissive part of the Act, the 35th clause, the
Board has not yet availed itself.
This provides that in parishes or districts included within
the Act for the better Local Government of the Metropolis,
the Secretary of State, upon application of the nuisance
authority (the District Board), may empower them to make
regulations as to the following matters, viz.:—
1. For fixing the number of persons who may occupy a
house which is let in lodgings or occupied by more than one
family.
2. For the registration of houses thus occupied or let in
lodgings.
3. For the inspection of such houses and the keeping the
same in a wholesome and cleanly state.
4. For affording privy accommodation, and other appliances
and means of cleanliness in proportino to the number of
lodgings and occupiers, and the cleansing and ventilation
of the common passages and staircases.