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of the ground and three Cottages built at the end or west side thereof. The lease expired
Christmas 1872 and the Lessee was bound to give up quiet possession to the
Lessor or his representatives. It also appears that for many years this court has been
repaired and lighted by the Parish Authorities and further that other houses have been
built upon adjacent property belonging to a different Owner, the only way to which is
through this court. As the Lease has expired the Lessors right to the property reverts
and consequently he can legally shut up and fence off this Court, there cannot be a
legal dedication to the public by any Lessee or any other person than the Owner of the
Freehold. "Wood v. Veal 5 B and Ald 454."
The Vestry therefore resolved to take no action in the matter.
The Valuation (Metropolis) Act 1869.
Under the provisions of the above mentioned Act the total Assessment of properties
in this Parish has been raised during the past year from Gross £179,352 10 0
Rateable £138,709 to Gross £182,251 10 0 Rateable £141,189.
APPENDIX No, I.
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH,
From 1st of April, 1872, to 31st March 1873.
The Vestry of the Parish of Rotherhithe, Surrey.
Gentlemen,
During the last seven years, it has been my duty to deliver to you, an annual state
ment of the Parish of Rotherhithe; so far as regards the number of births and deaths
that have occurred therein, and to touch on other matters, wherein the health of the
inhabitants is concerned.
The investigation of these matters for the period alluded to, affords conclusive
evidence, that the occasional remark we hear, of this parish being an unhealthy place,
is made without the least foundation; and can only issue from persons who are not
sufficiently informed on the subject, or others, who make rash statements, without
enquiring into the circumstances of the case.
It is usual to determine the prosperity and healthfulness of a district, by the
increase in the number of births, and the relative number of births and deaths; examined
by these tests, we have great reason to be satisfied with the result; the births have gone
on steadily increasing, with the exception of about two years, when the chief branch
of industry in this place, that of building and repairing Ships became depressed, and