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15
THE DUSTING OP THE PARISH, 1882— 83.
I have appended, as usual, a tabulated statement (Table No. VII.) of
the applications for the removal of Dust during the year ending Lady
Day, 1883, showing the number received during each quarter from the
eight different Wards of the Parish.
Of the total number of 9,518 applications received from residents
during the year, 6,795 were by letter or postal card, and 2,723 were
made personally, or by messengers sent to the Vestry Offices.
The 9,518 applications received from inhabitants were at the rate of
25'1 per cent, of the number of the assessments in the parish against
34-8 per cent, in 1881— 1882.
The applications were, therefore, about 25 per cent, less than in the
previous year.
I have now laid before the Vestry the Life and Death statistics for
the past year of the immense Parish over which they possess authority,
and the works that have been carried out under their supervision for
preserving the Public Health. Of course it is easy enough to say that
many things should have been done that have not been done— or that
things have been done which might as well have been left undone. Of
nothing is the charge more common than that Sanitary Officers "strain
at gnats and swallow camels." We are frequently compelled, moreover,
to be satisfied with wincing under the charge, knowing how impossible
it is to prevent such accusations, or to show their injustice. In the case of
the Parish of Islington, however, your Sanitary Officers are not a little
indebted in refuting all such statements to the active and intelligent
support accorded to them by the Vestry, and particularly by your
Sanitary Committee.
I desire to express my obligations to your Sanitary Superintendent,
for the painstaking accuracy he has shown ever since I have been
connected with your Vestry. It is only right that I should further
add that your Inspectors, one and all, have performed their duties to
my entire satisfaction.
I remain, Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
C. MEYMOTT TIDY, M.B.,
Medical Officer of Health.
30th June, 1883.