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occasion in the second quarter was exceeded (21.2 grains), but tbe
accuracy of the return is disputed. In the third quarter there was an
excess of sulphur on two occasions, the maximum being far above the
Parliamentary allowance: and there was a smaller excess on several
occasions in the fourth quarter, the accuracy of the official returns of
the gas examiner, however, being disputed by the Company.
No complaint was made by private consumers, during the year,
so far as I know, with respect to the illuminating power of the gas,
and I believe your Vestry's Superintendent of street lighting is satisfied
with the quality of the gas as supplied to the public lamps. The
burners now in use in the street lamps consume 4.5 cubic feet of gas
per hour, whereas the old burners consumed only three feet per hour,
but notwithstanding this increased consumption (50 per cent.) and
the consequent better illumination of the public thoroughfares, the cost
is not greater than formerly under the system of a fixed annual
payment per lamp.
In concluding my report I have the pleasurable duty once again of
tendering my best thanks to the parochial officers generally for the
cordial assistance I have received from them in carrying out the
work of my department. The registrars of births and deaths, the
vaccination officer, and the officers of the Guardians have on all
occasions manifested the utmost readiness to co-operate with me,
each in his own sphere of work, in measures for promoting the public
health.
The members of the sanitary staff, moreover, have shown an earnest
desire to cany out thoroughly the onerous and responsible duties of
their position, and I gladly bear testimony to their zeal and diligence.
It only remains for me to express my grateful acknowledgments to
your Vestry for the confidence you have ever reposed in me, and
which has been of such essential assistance to me in carrying out the
duties of my office.
I am, gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
T. ORME DUDFIELD, M.P,
Medical Officer of Health.
Vestky Hall, Kensington,
July, 1879.