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44
shorter duration, and much more amenable to treatment
than formerly.
My belief is, fevers of this type would be even less frequent
could means be adopted to insure a less over-crowded
condition of the dwellings of the poor. The point, then, in
which the sanitary condition of this parish is susceptable of
the greatest improvement, is in reference to a more adequate
supply of suitable houses for the working-classes. In the
year 1862 there were erected 42 new houses, and in the
past year as many as 66, making, in two years, since the
taking of the last census, 108 dwellings of all classes. But
very few of these new houses are, however, available as
dwellings for the very poor, and it needs, therefore, but
little reflection to become convinced of the more than
probable consequences of such a state of things a few years
hence. Increased taxation is, I am aware, at no time a
very palatable recommendation, but I submit a self-imposed
tax upon the time and energies of the wealthier classes of
the community by combining to effect the suggested improvement,
is infinitely to be preferred, both socially and
economically, to one in the shape of widowhood and
orphanage, and increased poor-rates. To such, then, as
desire the future welfare and social advancement of their
poorer neighbours, a timely effort in the direction indicated
is most earnestly recommended.
R. HARLAND WHITEMAN,
Medical Officer of Health for Putney and Roehampton.