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The death rate during the first quarter of the
year was 20.7; in the second quarter, 18.0; in the
third quarter, 19.6; and in the fourth quarter, 20.0.
The mean temperature of the air was 47.8, being
1.4 below the average of 45 years. The temperature
of the summer quarter was above the average.
Rain fell on 141 days. The amount registered
was 19.86 inches, being 5.36 inches below the
mean rainfall of the previous 72 years. The remarkable
small rainfall occasioned, in many parts
of the country, great difficulties in maintaining
an abundant supply of water.
The absence of floods affecting the river Thames
enabled the companies deriving their supply from
that source to distribute water containing but little
impurity, either in solution or suspension. With
the exception of a slight turbidity which occured
in the month of January, and arose from the
flooded state of the river, the water supplied
by the Southwark Company was reported to be
clear and bright. At the end of April there were
two or three days when the water supplied to some
parts of this Parish was very turbid. I attributed
it to accidental local contamination during the
laying down of new pipes.
Thanking the Vestry for the kind support which
I have received in the exercise of my duties.
I have the honour to be, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
JOHN DIXON, M.D.,
Medical Officer of Health.
133, Jamaica Road, Bermondsey.