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14
WEEKLY MORTALITY RETURNS.
The supply of the weekly mortality returns of the District Registrars
would enable me to carry out my plans much more efficiently.
Without them, I can only express my opinion as to the state of the
health of the Hamlet; with them, I should be able to lay before you
periodical statements in figures, which would convey absolute facts.
But, as the Vestry are aware, they are not at present to be had in a form
applicable to this Hamlet, without purchasing them of the District
Registrars, or at least remunerating them for the trouble of furnishing
the written statements required. From the Registrar General's weekly
returns can be had statements of the mortality in the Stepney Union ;
but, if that were adopted, it would give a very inaccurate return of that of
Mile End Old Town, which forms the healthiest portion of that Union.
In the absence of these returns, I have been obliged to report special
cases to the Committee for Drainage, Sewerage, and Nuisances, to
inquire into particular cases of disease, with a view to trace their
causes, and to ascertain whether they were removable or otherwise;
and I have endeavoured, mainly by persuasion, suggestion, and influence,
to correct some of the defects of which it is my special duty to
procure the removal.
In conclusion, I beg to remark that in constructing this Report
I have endeavoured, as far as possible, to adhere to the specification in
the "Minute of the Board of Health," as to the nature of the
information desired. In doing so, I am fully aware that I have
communicated many facts previously well known to those whom 1 have
the honor to address, but as it was necessary to follow some outline
I felt that I could not have a better guide than the Minute referred to.
I have the honour to be,
Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
J. H. FREEMAN,
Medical Officer of Health
for Mile End Old Town.
Town House,
June 4th, 1866.