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7
From my own observation, and from information obtained from
many of my professional brethren, I find that there has been a
considerable increase of Fever and other epidemic diseases within
the last few years; and it is as equally certain that there has been a
gradual increase of deaths in this District, as shown in the table I
have placed before you in the commencement of this Report.
I believe also that there has been a disproportionate increase
in the deaths during the same period.
I shall now point out to you the course I intend to pursue
towards adopting that system of organisation which appears to me
to be necessary for the permanent improvement of this District.
First, by dividing the whole District into four Sub-Districts,* and
pointing out for your earliest consideration in each of these four SubDistricts
the several streets and water-side localities which have
previously been visited by sickness to an unusual extent, or have
given cause for complaint: secondly, those districts that have been
partially under epidemic influence; and lastly, those higher and
more open parts which have not been hitherto visited by any decided
pestilence, and such as have only suffered from the ordinary amount
of disease prevailing in the more healthy parts surrounding the
Metropolis.
In the next place, I am desirous of obtaining correct information
on the following points:—
I propose to obtain and keep a Register of all streets, courts, and
alleys, and every house therein, and of every establishment in the
District.
To ascertain their condition as regards drainage, ventilation,
water-supply, and other matters necessary for the improvement of
the health of the District.
To keep an account of all sickness and mortality occurring in
the District, and to report to you thereon.
* Viz.:—Greenwich East, Greenwich West, St. Paul, Deptford, and
St. Nicholas, Deptford.