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which lead to this disastrous result. It is not, however, within
the Vestry's province to propose remedies, inasmuch as several of
those suggested are not within their control. His opinion, however,
should be considered carefully by the inhabitants generally, and
especially by those who have influence with the poorest classes;
for, as always, they are the chief sufferers.
In reference to this excessive death rate, the Medical Officer
has on more than one occasion called the attention of the vestry to
the desirability of making measles a notifiable disease. On his
suggestion steps were taken to consult the other Sanitary Authorities
of the Metropolis, and to learn their views. The replies received
were not such as to encourage the hope of action, in the near future,
to secure any alteration in the law ; but the matter is still under
consideration. It is, however, satisfactory to note that the death
rate tends to decrease; and small though it be, 0.2 per 1,000, still it
does decrease. In the years 1841-1850, the average death rate was
30 per 1,000, in 1895 it was 23.7.
(ii.) Public attention has been directed to the action of the
Medical Officer of Health, and of this Vestry, in relation to the Shelter
in Blackfriars Road; the decision of the magistrate practically convicted
the Salvation Army Authorities of serious overcrowding. It
should not be forgotten that desirable as these proceedings may have
been, the Vestry of one of the poorest parishes was fighting the battle of
the whole metropolis ; for, although other public authorities may have
applauded the Vestry's action, they did not contribute towards the
cost, and it cannot be denied that unlicensed shelters are shown to
be a source of danger to the health of the metropolis.
(iii.) The housing of the working classes remains a question
of perennial difficulty, and indeed the sanitary work of the Vestry is
considerably hampered by the lack of proper housing accommodation.
A large number of houses have been closed on sanitary grounds ; and
and the loss of revenue in rates, as stated in the last Annual Report,
amounts to nearly £4,000 a year; and, further, the Medical Officer
does not conceal the fact that at least 500 more houses should be
dealt with under the Housing of the Working Classes Acts ; but,
having regard to the increased overcrowding which would then