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These 239 houses, which have therefore been brought under
special inspection, have had many improvements made in them, and
are generally better kept than they were, so that the Regulations
have been of benefit in this respect no doubt, although it would be
impracticable, in fact utterly impossible, to enforce the carrying out
of the minor requirements contained in them and others which
were originally suggested, unless perhaps a caretaker were appointed
to live in each house, and it would even then be a difficult task.
It is my firm conviction that people can never be regulated
into being cleanly and obedient to the laws of health, and that Hygeia
will still have to mourn over the neglect of those who might be
her votaries, could model Regulations make them such, but who
prefer instead to sweep and cleanse their rooms, and to open their
windows for ventilation, only when it pleases thorn, and who will
adhere to their own surroundings and follow their own ways and
devices in spite of all invitations and inducements to follow in the
paths of cleanliness, of comfort, and of health.
THE DUSTING OF THE PARISH, 1886-87.
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, 1887, showing the number received during each quarter
from the eight different Wards of the Parish.
Of the total number of 11,244 applications received from residents
during the year 7,609 were by letter or postal card, and 3,635 were
made personally, or by messengers sent to the Vestry Offices.
The 11,244 applications received from inhabitants were at the rate
of 27'5 per cent. of the 40,928 assessments in the Parish.
I remain, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
C. MEYMOTT TIDY, M.B.,
Medical Officer of Health.
30th June, 1887.