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a part.* I am not in possession of figures or tables on which I can
found a precise statement. Still, although we have been hitherto so
favoured during the former prevalence of epidemics, instances have
been, and will be brought under your notice, of the existence in certain
places of every thing that can contribute to the fostering of disease;
and the conditions which conduce to its spread, have been on the
increase of late years rather than otherwise. Many spots are to be
found which an experienced observer could, with the greatest accuracy,
indicate as the future habitat of pestilence. To trace out these spots,
which do not obtrude themselves on the public eye, through the
actual occurrence of disease in them of peculiar character, forms a
principal part of the duty of your Medical Officer of Health, and it is
to strenuous exertion in procuring the purification of these filthy and
pestilential places, that he hopes to be able, with gratification, to
attribute at a future time an evident improvement in the health,
enjoyment, and longevity, of the inhabitants of the Hamlet.
SANATORY STATE.
The general health of the Hamlet has been, since January, in a
most satisfactory state. The number of deaths, recorded by the
District Registrars, your Medical Officer is informed are less than
usual. The cases under treatment by the Parochial Mcdical Officers
have not been remarkable for their severity, and have been, and are,
fewer than have usually been observed in former years, notwithstanding
the increase in population. In the absence of the returns of the
District Registrars your Medical Officer is unable to inform either
himself or the Vestry on many points of importance. To this cause
must be attributed the vagueness of the information he is obliged to
lay before you on the subject of the sanatory condition of the Hamlet.
* The number of deaths from cholera in Mile End Old Town, during the
epidemic of 1848-49, was 80 in the Upper District and 86 in the Lower—total 166.
The deaths annually, from all causes, are in Stepney at the rate of 242 to every
10,000 persons. It must be remembered that the workhouse at Mile End receives
the fever cases of the whole of the Stepney Union, which will give an incorrect
return of the mortality of the Hamlet.