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I have also inspected the School-room, in Grange Walk, which as
regards provision for ventilation is very deficient. I shall be prepared
in an early future occasion to suggest some improvements,
which appear to me practicable and desirable.
During the last two days, throughout the length and breadth of
the Parish, there has been one general outcry respecting the foul and
pestiferous odour arising from Gas supplied by the Surrey Consumers'
Company.
I have had this day several communications on this subject. I
find the Gas to be impregnated with sulphuretted hydrogen, an
offensive, injurious and poisonous Gas, similar to that generated in
sewers and cesspools. I may mention, that when giving evidence
before a Committee of the House of Commons on this subject,
referring to a similar occurrence in this district, I was asked, why
the penalties were not enforced for such a gross case of carelessness
and neglect on the part of a public Company.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
JOHN CHALLICE, M.D.
Officer of Health.
TO THE VESTRY OF BERMONDSEY.
Feb. 6th, 1860.
Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen, —The mortality of the Parish for
the week ending January 14th, was beyond the average, being 31,
the corrected average being 25. Chronic Bronchitis, contributed to
this increase.
In the next week, ending the 19th day of January, the mortality
diminished to 19, comparing favorably with an average of 28. There
were 2 fatal cases of Small Pox, 1 in St. James', the other in the
Leather Market district.
For the week ending Jan. 28th, the mortality rose to 33, the corrected
average being 25. There was 1 fatal case of Small Pox in
the Leather Market district.