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parish. These numbers are equal to an annual birth rate of
36-5, and an annual rate of mortality of 24.8 per thousand
of the estimated population.
The corresponding death rate in London was 24.9.
The chief diseases of the zymotic class caused 34 deaths,
viz.measles 2, scarlet fever 1. whooping cough 2, enteric
lever 1, and diarrhoea 28. The last named disease was
particularly fatal to young children.
Diseases of the respiratory organs caused 15 deaths, and
those of the tubercular class 17.
Six inquests were held. Three deaths were referred to
violence and one to intemperance. Two deaths—both
infants—were not certified.
1 have visited Mr. H. Higgins's premises at Nos. 25 and
26, Abbey Street South. The part of the premises used by
him as a leather dresser is in a dirty and untidy condition,
with heaps of shumac and refuse lying about. but neither
these nor the puer give rise to any smell which can be
perceived outside the premises. In a letter received from
the Metropolitan Board of Works (dated 18th July, 1884),
it is stated that "a special investigation was made into the
source of the nuisance complained of, and it was ascertained
that the stench did not arise from manure-making, which
was being conducted in accordance with the Board's Bye-laws,
regulating that business."
I do not agree with this opinion. The close chamber is in
a very offensive state. It is supposed to be ventilated by the air
from this chamber, being drawn through a fire in the upper room.
In this fire-place I found a very small fire, amere handful of
hot cinders, but this was totally useless lor the purpose of
consuming the vapours from the lower room, as the iron
frame fronting the furnace is detached from the brickwork
for about 5 inches in width and nearly 2 feet in length. The
chimney is too low, and the firing is not properly attended to.
The carts used for collecting fish refuse and removing the
mixture are without covers, and are very offensive even
when empty.
I have just received a complaint about the nuisance arising
from these premises, signed by 64 persons residing in the
neighbourhood. I have no doubt the nuisance arose from an
accumulation of putrid fish offal which was detained on the