View report page

TO THE VESTRY OF BERMONDSEY.
November 18th, 1861.
Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen, —In the week ending November
2nd, the deaths were 27, the corrected average is 24. Scarlatina
was fatal in 3 cases, typhus in 2, and diptheria in 1 instance.
For the week ending November 9th, the deaths were 26, being
slightly below the average. Measles proved fatal in 3 instances,
whooping cough in 3, and scarlatina in 1.
There were three deaths in St. Mary Magdalen district, without
medical certificates—l at 36, Grange walk, 1 at 53, Little George
Street, and 1 at 33, Russell street.
I regret to report, that there is no improvement in the premises
of Messrs. Baker. The portion of the yard by the pure pits is
almost unendurable, from the stench arising from them; there
was a heap of skins which had been in soak, giving off a most
intolerable odour. The road in the yard is unpaved.
It is gratifying to pass from these premises, to those of Messrs.
Husband, opposite, which are now most materially improved. The
same may be justly said of the Leather Market; the improvement
here is most marked, but not quite completed. I consider the
frequent washing and cleansing of a large surface of pavement,
which is constantly saturated with blood, to be essential to the
health of the district.
I urge upon the Vestry, this important point, inasmuch as there
is still no provision made for cleanliness, no water supply yet
provided.
There is a continuance or recurrence of a nuisance in Austen's
rope grounds, from pigs being kept; this is in defiance of the
Magistrate's order.
Complaint has been made to me of a very offensive vapour,
arising from Whitworth's, in the Market Garden Ground, Jamaica
Row ; as this is said to be produced only at intervals, and as I have
not been able to witness the process complained of, I am not at
present prepared to report more definitely.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
JOHN CHALLICE, M.D.
Medical Officer of Health.