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TO THE VESTRY OF BERMONDSEY.
November 15th, 1858.
Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen, —For the week ending October 30th,
our mortality was 19; the corrected average for the same week being
31, we lost 5 from Scarlatina. This disease being more fatal in the
metropolis at large than in any corresponding period, except in 1848.
In the week ending November 6th the deaths were 23, the corrected
average being a fraction under 25; there were four fatal cases of Scarlatina,
2 of them in St. James' district, and one in each of the other districts.
My attention has been directed to the condition of some houses in
Cherry Garden Street, by the kindness of Dr. Dixon, and I have certified
them as unfitted for human habitation in consequence of their
filthy and neglected state. They are large old houses, with staircases
where the light of heaven never penetrates; in these dark places filth
always abounds, and disease is generally rife. One of the fatal cases of
Scarlatina occurred at No. 5 in this street, the ground floor being occupied
by a Marine Store Dealer, and a child is now ill from this Fever,
in a back room behind the shop, where there is neither light nor
ventilation, the goods which stock the shop, such as rags and bones,
are in a condition most singularly suited for not only originating disease,
but for aggravating and intensifying any already prevailing. I believe
that Marine Store Shops often give rise to disease, and I consider it highly
desirable that they should be placed under supervision and inspection.
Another fatal case of Scarlatina occurred at 4, William's Place, Dockhead.
The mother complains of foul smells both at the front and back
doors, —from the former it appears to proceed from a urinal, from the
latter from defective drainage and a choked-up privy. William's Place
is a row of five houses, occupied by decent working people, but there is
only one privy, and one leaky water receptacle, which exposes the
inhabitants to great privation, as the supply is only on alternate days.
No. 1, Metcalf Court, is a house in some measure in similar circumstances
to the houses in Cherry Garden Street. I am informed that it
has been brought under the notice of the Guardians. I had, however,
previously inspected it. It differs from the houses in Cherry Garden
Street in this respect, that it is occupied by only one family, whereas the
former have 4, 5 and 6 families; the inmates appear quite as filthy, —
indeed, if possible, more so than the room they inhabit, and the houses
above mentioned are already under notice. I have certified this also as
unfitted in its present state for human habitation.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your faithful Servant,
JOHN CHALLICE, M.D.,
Officer of Health.
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