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TO THE VESTRY OF BERMONDSEY.
December 2nd, 1861.
Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen, —The deaths in the week ending
November 16th, were 28, the corrected average being within a
fraction of 29. Whooping cough was fatal in 2 cases; diarrhæa,
diptheria, scarlatina and measles each in 1 case.
The mean temperature of the atmosphere during the week
following, was unprecedently low, being nearly 4 degrees below
the average for the last 43 years. On Saturday, the 16th, the
thermoneter stood at 7 degrees below freezing point. The effects
of this undue severity, and the sudden change, became painfully
evident upon the health and lives of our population in the
succeeding week, when the deaths rose to 41, the corrected average
being within a fraction of 30. Those with affections of the lungs,
especially suffered, and there were no less than 10 deaths from
bronchitis : as is almost invariably the case, the young and the aged
especially suffered, 7 were children and infants, of 2 years, and
under. A master tailor died aged 86 ; a clerk aged 77; and the
widow of a shoemaker, (in the Workhouse,) aged 78. Whooping
cough was fatal in 3 cases, typhus in 2, scarlatina in 4, and measles
in 3.
I am happy to report a material change for the better, on the
premises in the Grange; the offensive pits are no longer in use,
the pures are discontinued, the yard is in better condition, and Mr.
Baker assures me that he will set about the paving, forthwith.
I have certified 4 cottages in Austin's Rope Ground, as filthy,
and unfit for human habitation.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your faithful Servant,
JOHN CHALLICE, M.D.
Medical Officer of Health.