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latina in Printer's Place. In Melliek's Place 2 deaths from Small Pox
have taken place, both unvaccinated. In the Leather Market district
the wife of a Cow Keeper killed herself by excessive indulgence in
spirits, and a Police Constable died from fever in Coxhead's Gateway.
Complaint has been made to me upon several occasions, by a member
of the Vestry, that serious sanitary evils existed and were left unnoticed
in some of the better and superior houses in our parish. In regard
thereto I am anxious to have the instructions of the vestry, inasmuch
as I am most desirous that no spot should be left within the
district where the finger could be pointed, as originating or fostering
disease. I have entertained the opinion that it was the wish of the
Vestry that no steps should be taken unless some special ground of
complaint arose, or unless there was tangible proof of the existence of
some evil which required a prompt remedy.
On the 14th instant I visited the arches in Blue Anchor Road, in the
occupation of Mr. Hickmott, against whom proceedings were ordered
by the vestry at their last meeting. I was pleased to find that a considerable
portion of the dried manure was removed, and that there was
less offensive odour within the premises. The inhabitants of the dwellings
close by say that there is a very great improvement.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
JOHN CHALLICE,
Officer of Health.
TO THE VESTRY OF BERMONDSEY.
May 2nd, 1859.
Mr. Chairmen and Gentlemen, —Having been informed by your
Inspector of Nuisances that complaints had been made by the Inhabitants
of St. John's, of an offensive effluvium arising from the premises
of Mr. Petch, at Dockhead, I have paid especial attention to this spot,
which in the recollection of the Vestry has often previously been a
source of trouble and police investigation.
Formerly the malt roasting was most obnoxious; it appears, however,
that for the last six weeeks this process, has been discontinued on
these premises; therefore the cause of complaint, if justly described,
could not have arisen from that source. As regards the roasting of
chicory, from my own observation, from enquiries in the vicinity, and
from close personal inspection this morning, I do not think there is
so legitimate a ground of complaint as to justify a prosecution.
This morning my attention was called to a nuisance of an aggravated
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