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in the interim been much improved, or in all human probability the
disease would not have remained confined to the house in which it
originated. Notwithstanding the above-mentioned causes which have
added to our mortality, the result is not unsatisfactory, for the deaths
from all causes in the year were but 1211, whilst the births were
2246, the corrected average of deaths would have been 1456.
In St. James's district the deaths registered are 439, the births
922. In the leather Market, the deaths are 365, the births are 647.
In St. Mary Magdalen, the deaths are 407, the births 677.
Of the entire deaths, no less than 529 infants and children under
2 years of age are registered, 184 died between 2 years and 20; 131
deaths took place between 20 and 40 years, that is the prime of life.
In the period from 40 to 50 years, which may be termed the turning
part, 64 died, and from 50 to 70 years of age we had 140 deaths;
from 70 to 90 years no less than 77 expired, and there were two
registered whose age exceeded 90 at their death.
I find, by a return from your Inspector of Nuisances, that notices
have, by order of the Vestry, been served to the number of 555;
during the year, 504 cesspools have been abolished, 61 instances of
defective drainage remedied, 6 badly paved yards repaired, 15 instances
of offensive effluvia, arising from trades, remedied; and here
I may, I trust, be permitted to remark that, almost without exception,
I have found the utmost readiness on the part of Manufacturers
to adopt every reasonable precaution for remedying anything approaching
to a nuisance or just ground of complaint.
There are 12 cases in which animals have been kept so as to
become a nuisance, which have by your orders been removed; 14
dwellings certified as without privy accommodation; 38 as being in a
filthy and unwholesome condition; and 5 cesspools emptied in consequence
of the non-existence of a sewer within 100 feet. There have
been proceedings in 8 cases before the Magistrates, 7 of which were
successful and one deferred. There have been two seizures of meat
in an unsound condition, unfitted for human food. The notices not
complied with are 39.
I have most sincerely to tender my best thanks to the Vestry for its
hearty and considerate co- operation, at all times, in the great work of
sanitary improvement. It is to me a subject of sincere congratulation
that on no occasion has there existed any antagonistic feeling
on this important subject, involving as it does, the present and
future health of the population of our large manufacturing Metropolitan
district.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
JOHN CHALLICE, M.D.,
Officer of Health.
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