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52. For the following week the deaths were also slightly in excess
of the average; again caused by the mortality from whooping cough,
5 children having died from this disease and 2 from typhus. The
total mortality was 25, the corrected average being 22, and the
births 56.
I purpose, with the sanction of the Board, to inspect the premises
of the various Dealers in Marine Stores within the Parish in the
ensuing week. This it will be in the recollection of the Vestry was
done last year, and I believe with a practical and very beneficial
result.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your faithful Servant,
JOHN CHALLICE, M.D.
Medical Officer of Health.
TO THE VESTRY OF BERMONDSEY.
June 10th, 1861.
Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen, —In consequence of a complaint
made to me about half-past eight o'clock p.m., on Tuesday, the 5th
instant, I visited Mr. Whitworth's premises used as a fish manure
factory, in the rear of Jamaica row; there was a perceptible fish
odour pervading the neighbourhood. In the premises there were
two heaps of fish heads in a stinking condition; one more so thau
the other. The man in charge stated that the heap which was
most offensive had been there longer than the other. In quantity
there was about a ton of fish:—the effluvia may be better imagined
than described.
On the following day I again visited these premises, the process
of mixing was then going on. The fish was stinking, —when sulphuric
acid was poured on, fumes of a very offensive character were
given off. These were dense and suffocating, and in my opinion
highly injurious to health. I have no hesitation in stating it to be a
nuisance and dangerous to the health of the district.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
JOHN CHALLICE, M.D,
Medical Officer of Health.