View report page

3
Report of the Medical Officer of Health, for the third Quarter, 1857.
proportion of children, and which, without doubt, can be largely diminished by sanitary precaution—
that 95 died from zymotic disease, including 56 from diarrhœa—15 from typhus fever, or rather fever; for
many cases are included under this head that are not really typhus. No Typhoid cases have been sent
from among the poor to the Fever Hospital, and but one has died in the Workhouse; the disease
does not, therefore, press. It is one, however, of those diseases that may be almost banished by
precautionary measures, chiefly by those which insure pure air, and greater cleanliness. 465 births are
recorded, and 276 deaths,—our population has, therefore, other circumstances being equal, increased by 189.
The last Table, taken from the Inspector's book and my own diary, shews the amount of sanitary
work done during the quarter. About 900 visits have been made to 227 houses, manufactories, &c.,
found defective more or less, in various ways, and here recorded; in 137 of these places your orders have
been obeyed, the places put into good condition, and the evils likely to produce sickness, abated. The
places are here recorded, where the work is not yet done.
I have, during the quarter, visited with the Inspector, 33 slaughter-houses; for the most part they
were in good condition; slight improvements were recommended in 16, and carried out. 30 had their
licences granted; three lost their licences, chiefly through informality. I am convinced that an annual
supervision of these places is for health's sake necessary, especially when they are situated, as with us, in
densely populated districts; I only regret that other places, such as rag and bone warehouses, cow-houses,
piggeries, and the like, are not subjected to the same regulations. Two or three of the slaughter-houses
appeared to me to be too often used for the reception or slaughtering of very bad meal; in one I authorized
the immediate seizure and removal of several carcases unfit for food—they were condemned by the Magistrate
and destroyed; another Butcher has been warned. I cannot but say that I have been disgusted at the filthy
and unwholesome condition of the premises, and of the materials, used by the lower class of Sausage
Makers; they require, and will have, an occasional visit. I continue to receive the most zealous
assistance and co-operation from the Inspector, Mr. Wellman.
(Signed) WILLIAM RENDLE.