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TO THE VESTRY OF BERMONDSEY.
May 5th, 1861.
The deaths in Bermondsey, for the week ending April 13th, were
27, the corrected average being within a fraction of that amount.
There was no death from any epidemic disease, with the exception
of whooping cough, which proved fatal in 6 cases; 4 of these were
in the Leather Market district, all of children under 2 years of age;
one was the daughter of a wharf labourer, in White Lion Court, and
this death is marked as uncertified, thus proving the entire absence
of medical treatment.
In the week ending April 20th, the mortality was favorable, indicating
a satisfactory condition of the health of the district, the
deaths being only 20, and the corrected average 25. Whooping
cough however still swells the list, 4 children having died from this
epidemic. There were no deaths from any other epidemic disease.
For the week terminating April 27th, the deaths were 24, the corrected
average 26. Whooping cough was fatal in 1 case only.
There was 1 death from fever.
The creation of a most intolerable and dangerous nuisance in
the Blue Anchor road was reported to me.—Some persons, from the
neighbourhood of Whitechapel, having purchased a cargo of shipwrecked
rags, and hired some vacant ground in this neighbourhood
to dry them. As the stench given off was abominable, I requested
your Inspector to apply to the Magistrate for an order for their instant
removal, and at the same time used every exertion to prevent a
further deposit; I also directed deodorizing powder to be used, which
was done effectually, under the superintendence of your Inspector.
I have certified that pigs are kept, so as to be a nuisance and injurious
to health, at John street, Kent road, and also at Austen's
Rope ground, Staple street.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
JOHN CHALLICE, M.D.
Medical Officer of Health.