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TO THE VESTRY OF BERMONDSEY.
October 7th, 1861.
Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen, —During the three weeks ending
respectively September 14th, 21st and 28th, the deaths in our
Parish have been in each case below the corrected average.
For the week ending September 14th, the deaths were 24, the
corrected average being 33. Diarrhœa was fatal in 4 cases, typhus
in 2, scarlatina in 4, and measles in 1.
The deaths in the week following declined to 17, the corrected
average being 33. Typhus was fatal in 1 case, diarrhœa in 1,
scarlitina in 3, diptheria in 1, and whooping cough also in one.
For the week ending September 28th, the deaths registered
were 29, the corrected average being a fraction over 34. Typhus
was fatal in 2 cases, diarrhœa in 3, and measles in 2.
Although these statistics on the whole show a favorable condition
of the public health, there is an amount of zymotic disease sufficient
to cause some anxiety; doubtless the unusual mildness of the
weather has tended to the developement of fever, especially typhus
and scarlatina, there is consequently a necessity for strictness in
sanitary measures.
An instructive and painful case is one of a child aged 6 years,
who died on the 19th instant, in Williams' rope ground, from
maglinant scarlet fever. On inspection, I found that the mother, a
widow, receiving parochial relief, occupied a small hovel, for which
she paid a rent of 1s. 6d. per week. The room in which she and her
five children slept, (the eldest a youth of 16, a girl of 14, another of
12, the deceased and a younger one) was less than 7 ft. square, with
no ventilation. How any of them have escaped is indeed a marvel, as
the amount of air was not sufficient for more than one person; in
addition to this fact, the state of the exterior atmosphere in this
place, was offensive and injurious to health, in consequence of a
number of pigs and an accumulation of dung. I have repeatedly
certified these premises as a nuisance, and from time to time the
Magistrate has ordered the removal of the pigs, which in mockery
is complied with, but only to be replaced by others. I urge upon
the Vestry the necessity for some more stringent and effective
measure. On inquiry, I find that another case of fever has
occurred in one of the other houses in this yard; there is a large