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tlence the mortality of this district is ititimately related to that
&F the metropolis. If the mortality from these diseases in this district
tad occurred at the same rate as that of the metropolis, 418 deaths
would have taken place from them, instead of 422—the actual number.
This relation, however, should rather be viewed in regard to the
diffusion of the diseases, than to their fatality ; for undoubtedly the free
intercourse taking place between the inhabitants of all parts of the
metropolis, is a potent cause of the diffusion of Zymotic diseases; while
the resulting mortality will depend mainly upon the local sanitary conditions
of the particular districts.
Slaughter-houses.—The slaughter-houses, -which were 45 in
number, kept by 43 butchers, were inspected by the Sanitary Committee
in conjunction with myself, and the necessary improvements ordered
and carried out, prior to the granting of the licenses.
There is little complaint to be made of the condition of the
slaughter-houses in the district generally ; yet in a certain number of
instances, the entrance to them is through the shop, and so through the
house. Hence the cattle and sheep have to be driven over the pavement;
and there is great difficulty in making the animals enter a door to which
there is no roadway. It is to be hoped, that when the new meat-market
is established, those butchers who have not a proper entrance to the
slaughter- house, will give up the slaughteiing of animals ; and if they do
not do so. their licenses should be opposed, as the nuisance arising from
driving animals across the pavement is great, and attended with danger
to the foot passengers.
Cow-Houses.—The passing of the "Metropolis Local Management
Acts Amendment" in August of the year, made requisite the
licensing of the cow-houses, which were consequently inspected by the
Sanitary Committee with myself. The cow-houses were 31 in number,
kept by 26 cow-beepers; and the number of cows contained in them
was 620. A few of them being in an unsatisfactory condition, opposition
was made at the Special Sessions to their being licensed. The magistrates
however decided, that as the Act had so recently come into force, no
opposition would be admitted ; with the understanding, that if the improvements
required by the Vestry were not effected before the next
licensing day, the licenses would be refused.
Sanitary Improvements.—The following sanitary improvements
were effected during the year: 838 feet of sewers were constructed; 62
sewers were cleansed and repaired, 186 loads of soil having been removed
from them; 39 house-drains were laid down; 61 houses were drained;
and 76 cesspools destroyed and water-closets substituted for them.
Two drinking fountains were also erected.