View report page

The notices of the Vestry are disregarded, and unattended to at No.
2, Prospect Row, at the houses from 5 to 9, Brewer's Yard, at 19,
Ernest Street, at No. 3, Mill Pond Street, at No. 70, Bermondsey
New Road, at No. 19, Willow Walk, and also at 14, Salisbury
Street.
The inhabitants from No. 74 to 79, George Row, are complaining
of entire absence of water supply for the last six weeks; which, as the
other houses in the districts are well supplied, is in all probability dependant
upon some obstruction or deficiency in the apparatus. Still
the evil exists, and requires a most prompt course of action for its
remedy.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
JOHN CHALLICE, M.D.,
Officer of Health.
TO THE VESTRY OF BERMONDSEY.
October 4th, 1858.
Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen—Having on the 29th ult received
a complaint from the Messrs. Christey of Bermondsey Street, to the
effect that they were much annoyed, indeed seriously inconvenienced
by an offensive stench proceeding from the premises of Mr. Brockwell,
I visited and closely examined them. On entering from the street
there was perceptible an offensive animal odour, arising or proceeding
from a building in which the manufacture of size is carried on. This
place is fairly kept, and there is evidence here, of care, cleanliness, and
due precaution for the prevention of nuisance, at all times most necessary,
as the situation is very objectionable for a business of this
description.
There was a strong animal odour in an adjoining shed, within the
yard, used as a fellmongers and wool rug manufacturers: there was a
general stench difficult to particularise, as the entire place was in a
filthy and dilapidated condition. I do not state that the filthiness and
offensiveness of the premises are owing entirely to neglect, for their
general condition is much aggravated by the absence of paving, proper
channels, and suitable drainage; the earth being soddened, saturated
with drippings from the skins, and very offensive. There was skutch
giving off ammonia, and requiring removal. As a substitute for a
privy there was a rude imitation of a tent for the use of the workmen,
without any attempt at drainage or decency, as the soil had accumulated
and was exposed to view in a somewhat considerable heap exterior
to the canvas. Here also the sewer was open, apparently for the purpose
of supplying the premises with hot water which flowed from
Messrs. Christey's. It appears to me that the buildings are in a dangerous
condition; likely on the least extraordinary pressure or sudden
13