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partly accounted tor by the higher death-rate of last year, but
the sudden cessation of the decrease in interments makes one
wonder whether the late Vicar's undertaking has been adhered
to (i.e., that only those having relatives already buried in the
churchyard should be interred there).
67. The Mortuary was used for 33 bodies, one being a case
of infectious disease, namely, Diphtheria. This compares with
23 and 31 in the two preceding years. There were 23 post
mortems compared with 16 in 1897. I inspected the Mortuary
and found it kept clean.
The new Mortuary has not been commenced, but I understand
that plans are being prepared.
68. The Health Refuge was again not used once during the
year.
69. Bakehouses.—I inspected the Bakehouses twice as
usual, and reported that they were satisfactory with one or two
exceptions.
70. Cowhouses and Milk Supply.—I made a special inspection
of the cowhouses with the chief Sanitary Inspector. I
reported to you at the time that although only one of these was
bad enough to justify opposing the renewal of the license, there
was hardly one which was quite satisfactory. In only one shed
is there as much as 800 cubic feet of air space allowed per head,
which is the minimum desirable. In some, the cows' hind
quarters were found coated with dung. The floors are not
generally well swept and clean. Some sheds are deficient in
light and ventilation. In three sheds we noticed cows coughing.
I do not by any means wish it to be inferred that the
Plumstead cowsheds are worse than others, indeed, I expect
they are better than most. I made my report after visiting a