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not prove fatal, it leaves the frame so exhausted, that the sufferers are for the most
part rendered incapable of work for many weeks. During this period their families have
to be supported by the parish; and the instances are many in which the disease having
killed a father, his children have become a permanent burden upon the rates.
I believe that next to small-pox and scurvy, that form of low fever to which
the name of typhus is commonly applied, is the most preventible of diseases. Retrospective
reflection on the waste of human life and money, occasioned by the ravages of
typhus, must be pregnant with regret; but the future is full of hope. The work of
prevention is fairly begun.
Important progress has been made under the direction of your Surveyor in
purifying the soil. The efforts of your Inspectors have been most usefully exerted in
aiding the same work, in enforcing the removal of nuisances injurious to health, and in
promoting the general cleanliness of the district. During the past quarter—a broken
one, owing to the unavoidable delays in bringing all the parts of a new organization
into harmonious action—184 notices directing various important sanitary works in
abolishing cesspools, completing drainage, cleansing houses, improving ventilation, &c.
have been made. I anticipate with some confidence being able in a future report to
state, that the localities where these works have been effected, have been marked by
the diminution of zymotic disease.
In concluding this report, I beg permission to submit some suggestions upon
matters which will claim your attention.
1. Slaughter-Houses—Under the provisions of the Metropolis Market Act, 14 &
5 Vic., cap. 61, all places used as slaughter-houses will have to be licensed at
the Quarter Sessions. Every person wishing to have a license, must give notice to the
Vestry, in order that cause may be shewn against the issue of a licence, where good
cause may exist. It would be out of place to insist upon the general objections
that may be urged against the practice of slaughtering in crowded neighbourhoods,
The practical question is, to make such provisions for the space, cleanliness, watersupply,
paving, ventilation, and removal of blood and offal, that the licensed slaughterhouses
shall be as little offensive and injurious as possible. It may also be a question
whether the interests of butchers and the convenience of the public, may not in some
cases be promoted by the licensing of one or more abattoirs of a public character, to
supply the wants of those butchers who may fail to satisfy the Vestry as to their claim
for predate license