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generally thought that the latter result was unintended and
unexpected, but Appendix E of the report indicates that
Mr. Rawlinson at any rate was not unmindful of this
desirable possibility: —
Appendix E.
"The following statement as to the condition of Woolwich
Marshes, and the evil effects to health arising from
their undrained condition, was laid before the General
Board of Health in October, 1848. The subject is
one deserving of serious consideration and' offers a
powerful reason in favour of an extension of the
Metropolitan drainage to some point below Woolwich,
so that the Woolwich or Plumstead Marshes may be
effectively drained by the same means."
The statement referred to is one by Mr. Ruegg showing
the very serious effects of malaria, not only on the health of
Woolwich, but on the economical condition of the town.
He calculates that the cost of medicines and loss of work
in four months were equal to an absolute waste of £8,000.
The Common Lodging-houses at that time were unregulated,
and all the ordinary decencies of civilised life
set at nought, "human beings in a Christian land living a
more degraded life than savages." "Thousands of children
are born in such places, and from their childhood to old age
their only knowledge is of sensuality, vice, and crime."
"Common lodging-houses are kept by a class of persons
who pander to the vices of human nature for purposes
of pecuniary gain. They charge from 1d. to 3d.
per might for each adult person entering their house,
and this demand complied with, they harbour the