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This number furnishes but a very small percentage of
the total deaths amongst all classes, and affords an
additional proof that sanitation has not been neglected
in quarters where it is always most needed.
Sanitation during the past year.—As the last table
inserted in the Appendix (No. VI.) sufficiently shows the
amount of accomplished sanitary work throughout the District
during 1870, any further reference to such work in
this place is scarcely needed. There are also several very
important matters which the Medical Officers of Health
have so frequently discussed in their former Reports, as to
leave very little more to be advanced concerning them.
Of these measures the principal ones are (1) the supply on
the constant principle of pure and wholesome water to the
inhabitants, (2) the means of overcoming the baneful
effects of sewer emanations from gratings in the public
thoroughfares, (3) such amendments of the Vaccination
Acts as shall prevent the possibility in future of any
evasion of the law, (4) an amendment of the Registration
Act as already suggested, and (5) a Legislative measure
capable of being easily applied to prevent excessive overcrowding
of the dwellings of the poor. These matters
specially commend themselves to the consideration of both
Boards of Works and the Legislature to insure a full
recognition of the sanitary requirements of the present
critical period; fur it is undoubtedly one demanding the
adoption of every possible safeguard against the spread of
those epidemic diseases, Small Pox and Scarlatina especially,
which are now devastating both the Metropolis and the
Provinces.
Of all the subjects presenting themselves to our notice,
there is not one requiring more thoughtful consideration,
or more thorough ventilation, than that relating to water
supply. Upon this question, so far as it concerns this
District, it may be observed that the evidence tendered
by the Medical Officers of Health to Captain Tyler, of the
Department of the Board of Trade, has been fully borne