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Some months since it became necessary to apply to the
Magistrate respecting several houses in Vincent Row. In
consequence of the lease having but a very short term, the
Magistrate declined making any order; the lease has nowexpired,
and it is therefore necessary the defective drainage
should be immediately remedied.
One of the greatest evils in these parishes consists in the
overcrowding of rooms, and the indiscriminate intermingling
of the sexes, I have frequently witnessed scenes precisely
similar to those so graphically described by Dr. Letheby,
Medical Officer of Health for the city of London; and in the
hope of being enabled to remedy this evil, I wrote to that
gentleman requesting to be informed by what authority he
acted, when he informed me, his power was derived from a
Sewers' Act, only applicable to the city. As a single example,
I will mention a room in Tothill street, inhabited by 8 persons,
the dimensions being 12 feet by 6, and 5 feet high. If any
remedy could be applied to this most crying evil, I feel quite
assured the death rate would be still further diminished.
During the last month, I have had occasion to attend the
Police Court three times in reference to the seizure of bad
meat, detected in Strutton Ground, through the vigilance of
Mr. Wood, and I am happy to add that the conviction and
penalty has had its attendant good, there now being a remarkable
difference in the quality of the meat offered for sale.
The establishment of cow-houses is likely to become a
monster nuisance, if regulations as to cleanliness and ventilation
are not stringently enforced. There are 5 cowhouses in St.
Margaret's, and 17 in St. John's, containing in the aggregate
289 cows. I feel bound to state that the greater number are
cleanly, and the cows healthy; although in some instances, the
ventilation is insufficient, and the arrangements altogether
incomplete. I have cautioned the offending parties, and
suggested the requirements, which, if not carried out, will be
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