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an annual rate of mortality of 17.4 per 1000 of the estimated
population. The corresponding death rate in London was
20.8 and the mean rate of all the large towns was 22.2.
The chief zymotic diseases caused 12 deaths, viz.:—measles
6, diphtheria 1, whooping cough 1, and diarrhœa 3.
The number of deaths from diseases of the respiratory system
declined to 15. There were 9 deaths from bronchitis, 4
from pneumonia, 1 from croup, and 1 from congestion of the
lungs.
Eleven deaths were referred to diseases of the tubercular
class: —7 to phthsis, 2 to meningitis, 1 to tabes mesenterica,
and 1 to tubercular peritonitis.
There were 4 deaths from old age, and 3 from heart disease.
One inquest was held, and 3 deaths were uncertified. The
mortality returns shew a healthy state of the parish.
The water supplied by the Southwark Company during
last month was unusually free from organic matter, and
delivered in an efficiently filtered condition.
On the letter received from the Coroner's Officer, which
was referred to me, I beg to report that the first part of the
letter, which relates to the conduct of the parish undertaker
and one of the relieving officers, should have been sent to
the Board of Guardians, rather than to the Vestry. On the
second part of the letter, which suggests that one of the
mortuaries should be set apart for the exclusive use of the
Coroner's Officer, I beg to observe that both mortuaries
(one for contagious and one for non-contagious diseases,) are
intended for the convenience and advantage of the parishioners
generally, and I do not think the parishioners should be
restricted to the use of the one for contagious diseases. A
mistake like the one referred to in the letter would be obviated
by having a separate and distinctive shell for cases which
were awaiting an inquest. It is desirable that a record
should be kept of all bodies which are brought to the mortuary,
with the dates of their removal therefrom. At present,
the mortuary may be made use of for the convenience of
undertakers in any part of London, and bodies may be kept
there for an indefinite period, without the Vestry or its officers
having any knowledge of the facts.