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14
than 2½ per cent. of all cases of sickness) were one-fifth less than the
average. The total cases of epidemic disease were 213, or about two-fifths
less than the average, and formed 15½ per cent. of the total sickness; and
the deaths from these diseases were considerably less than half the average.
By assuming the proportion of deaths to cases of sickness amongst the
poor as a measure of the proportion of deaths to cases of sickness which
occurred in the entire sub-district, an approximate estimate can be formed of
the extent and intensity of disease which has prevailed. From such a calculation
it appears that while the extent of disease was rather greater, the intensity
of disease during the past year was less than the average of the past
5 years, in the ratio by figures of 25 to 30; or, in other words, fewer
deaths resulted from a given number of cases of sickness in that
proportion.
Sanitary Operations.
A summary of the sanitary operations which have been carried out under
the guidance of your able Surveyor during the year, is contained in table 6
of the Appendix. They were all conducted, with but one exception, without
the necessity for the intervention of a magistrate. In addition to these,
all the slaughter-houses were as usual examined and specially reported on
during the month of September. The great improvement which has taken
place in the health of the sub-district since the commencement of the
operations of the Board, as indicated by a diminished death-rate, and a
diminished fatality from epidemic disease, is satisfactory evidence of the
benefits derived from the sanitary works which have been carried out. But
the still large mortality from preventable disease demands a continued and
persevering prosecution of them ; while the disproportionate mortality of the
labouring classes, and particularly of their children, indicates the direction
which these sanitary operations should assume. For this end a more searching
examination of the sanitary condition of the houses of the poor is
desirable, and would be best attained by a periodical house to house visitation,
after the manner adopted by the Board during the first year of its existence.
I would again urge upon your notice the necessity for an efficient and
universal water-supply to this parish. "The mortality has indeed fallen
notably since the improvement of the water-supply of London," writes the
Registrar-General at the beginning of the year. This great fact must, if
need be, enforce the importance of the subject.
Conclusion.
The preceding statistical information furnishes proof of these conclusions,
viz.:—
1. That this sub-district has a high sanitary status, as evidenced by the
possession of a low death-rate, a low infant death-rate, and a high rate of
natural increase.