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96
There were 331 inquests held, as compared with 301 in 1896, and 313 in 1895.
The post-mortem examinations made in the post-mortem room attached to the
mortuary numbered 159 as compared with 128 in 1896, 109 in 1895, 60 in 1894, and
29 in 1893.

These figures show that there is an increasing disposition on the part of the
people to make use of the mortuary. This is a matter of great importance from a
public health point of view, when one considers the large numbers of families in
Shoreditch who, for various reasons, are obliged to dwell iu one, two, or three rooms.
WATER SUPPLY.
During the year, 1897, the rainfall in inches measured at Oxford, was 25.10; the
mean fall for thirty years was 26.24. The total deficit for the year was 1.14 inches.
No complaints were received in the Public Health Department of deficiency of
supply, in either of the two water districts for the parish.
The East London Waterworks Company have largely augmented their storage
capacity for unfiltered water during the year. In December, 1896, according to
the Official Report of the Water Examiner appointed under the Metropolis Water
Act, 1871, the Company possessed storage capacity for 16.9 days, having 9 subsiding
and storage reservoirs for unfiltered water, with an area of 238 acres, and an available
capacity of 815,000,000 gallons. In September, 1897, the official figures shew
that the storage had been increased to a capacity sufficient for 30.3 days, the Company
possessing eleven reservoirs, covering an area of 316 acres, with an available capacity
of 1,215,000,000 gallons.