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ending the 25th of Feb., 1 was a Greenwich pensioner, aged 87;
the widow of a gardener 84; a master currier 77; and the wife of a
bone-boiler 71; the others were under 14 months of age, with but
one exception. In the fortnight, 2 children have died from Small
Pox, 1 in Bermondsey street, and the other in Ship and Mermaid
court. There is evidently a strong tendency to Small Pox pervading
the entire Metropolis, and I consider it highly advisable, publicly to
impress upon all, the necessity of re-vaccination, not only in young
persons, but also with adults. The advantage of this precaution I
can bear testimony to; in several instances I have witnessed within
the last few weeks the wonderful preservative power of this, one of
the greatest and mightiest of human discoveries. There is also this
additional advantage in the adoption of re-vaccination, that in not
one in a hundred instances does it produce the slightest inconvenience
or indisposition.
I have visited the premises of the Metropolitan Gas Company;
was courteously received, and had every information afforded
me. The Gas is good, illuminating power about thirteen candles,
free from ammonia and sulphuretted hydrogen.
I am prevented from reporting on the Gas of the Surrey Consumers'
Company, as I was refused inspection of the premises by
the gentleman in charge of the offices; on the ground that he was
not aware of my intention to visit the works.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
JOHN CHALLICE, M.D.,
Officer of Health.
TO THE VESTRY OF BERMONDSEY.
April 2nd, 1860.
Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen, —The period included in the four
weeks, ending March 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th respectively, has
been marked with an excess of mortality and of sickness throughout
the Metropolis. In this visitation, the Parish of Bermondsey has
not altogether escaped. Several causes tending to the production of