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TO THE VESTRY OF BERMONDSEY.
May 20th, 1861.
Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen, —In the week ending 4th of May,
there was a sudden and severe attack of epidemic whooping cough
in the Leather Market district; no less than 9 children there fell
victims to this disease, whilst in St. Mary Magdalen district, 1 only
died from it, and in St. James' district also but 1. The average
mortality was increased by this sudden outburst of disease amongst
children, as in other respects the reports are favorable. The deaths
for the Parish were 31, the corrected average being 25.
For the week ending May 11th, the deaths were 22, the corrected
average being the same number. Whooping cough was fatal in 3
instances in the Leather Market district, none in the other districts.
I may here with propriety refer to the population of our Parish,
as proved by the recent census. In 1851, the population of Bermondsey
was 48,128,—it is now 58,250.—Thus in round numbers
showing an increase of 10,000, or at the rate of 20 per cent. Now
as the deaths are calculated on the presumed increase of the population
at 10 per cent, only, and as ours has been double, this is an
additional cause of congratulation on the proved sanitary condition
of this important district.
With reference to the nuisance complained of by inhabitants,
caused by the removal of skutch in a putrid condition from the
several glue and size factories of Messrs. Gee & Sewel, Messrs. Procter
& Bevington, and Messrs. Cripps. I have to report, that there is at
present on each of the premises above alluded to an accumulation
of skutch which is offensive, and which for the health of the district
requires removal. Of this fact there can be no question; still some
means might be adopted to render its removal less objectionable to
the public. On a former occasion I urged the propriety of covered
carts, with closely fitting covers being employed.—This precaution
I advise the Vestry to enforce. If this be adopted, with
the addition of a tarpauling and a layer of deodorizing powder, I
believe that the present accumulations can be removed without any
damage to the public. It would be better done at night, and so
arranged that the barge or lighter should start with its cargo without
delay. Out of regard to those who travel by water, the skutch
should be scrupously protected from the atmosphere. During hot
weather, this material or refuse of trade should be promptly removed,