Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Reports ...
This page requires JavaScript
MEDICAL OFFICER'S REPORT.
TO THE VESTRY OF BERMONDSEY.
June 21st, 1858.
Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen,—Notwithstanding the excessive heat,
we are happily exempt from the presence of any serious epidemic, although
some few cases of diarrhœa and summer cholera have occurred.
I am, however, anxious with regard to several places in the parish,
more especially of the district in and about Blue Anchor-road, where
there is an entire absence of drainage. Buildings are being rapidly
raised and occupied, and there is a state of things arising which I consider
as highly dangerous. The open ditches in the market garden
grounds are also in a very offensive condition, and it is highly desirable
that the tide should be let in frequently during the present season.
My attention has been drawn to a most offensive high level sewer in
Grange-road, which I think is a very serious nuisance, and believe has
been productive of disease on former occasions. It passes immediately
beneath the pavement, and is in an imperfect Condition.
It is my duty also to draw the attention of the Vestry to the open
ditch in Blue Anchor-lane; this is one of the works which, I trust,
will he early carried out; most decidedly it is the most serious nuisance
left in this parish.
I have certified the premises occupied by Messrs. Morrall & Co. as a
nuisance, in consequence of the entire absence of efficient drainage.
Also the premises of Mr. Dilnut in Grigg's-place for an accumulation
of skutch; and the shop of Mr. Pearce, 13, Bermondsey New-road, for
cats' and dogs' meat in an offensive and putrid condition.