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The average temperature of each entire quarter was severally as
follows:—Of the first 40º, being 1.78 above; of the second 52.2º,
or 0.6º below; of the third 59.9º, or 0.5º above ; of the fourth 44.2º
which is 18 above, the several averages of the corresponding quarters
during 85 years.
The mean daily range of temperature* during the first quarter
was 18 below, during the second 0.2º below, during the third 0.7º
above, and during the fourth 0.1" below, the several averages of 15
years. The amount of rain which fell was during the entire year
21.9 inches, which is 3.6 inches less than the average of 40 years.
During the fourth quarter only 3-9 inches fell, which is 3.7 less than
the average.
SANITARY CONDITION OF PRIVATE HOUSES.
In many houses the over-crowding is very great, each room
being occupied by a family. It is usually found too that families
with children congregate in the same house, because the parties who
occupy houses where there are not any children object to having them
introduced, on account of the noise they make and the trouble which
they give. The consequence is that some houses have as many as 50
or 60 inmates. There is a clause under the Nuisances Removal Act,
sec. 29, by which the Vestry is called on to take proceedings before
a Magistrate to abate over-crowding, if it is certified to be such as to
endanger health. No prosecutions have been taken under this clause,
but it is probable that in future years they may be considered
advisable.
In some parts of the district there are many underground
cellars inhabited, which are extremely unhealthy from want of light,
ventilation, and drainage. The Metropolitan Local Management
Act, sec. 103, prescribes that the District Surveyor shall report to the
Vestry all cases in which rooms or cellars are occupied contrary to
the Act. There is a certain standard prescribed for those inhabited
before the passing of the Act, and a little higher one for new houses;
and if these standards are not reached the plaoes are illegal, and the
owners are liable to a heavy fine if they allow them to be tenanted.
The requirements are not stringent enough, but such as they are
ought to be enforced. There are many of these kitchens to which I
have not had time during the past year to direct attention, from press
of other business. It is very desirable that a complete return of
them should be obtained.
« By this I mean the average of the differences between the maximum and
minimum temperature in each 24 hours. This ittrn is very important in a sanitary
aspect, as it measures to some extent the sudden changes of temperature, and the difference
between night and day temperature.