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31
WEST BATTERSEA.
In presenting the Twenty-first Annual Report for this District
the Vestry may again congratulate itself and also the
inhabitants, on the very high standard of health which has been
maintained during the year.
The year 1888 was exceptional as compared with former
years, and it was scarcely to be expected that the favourable
statistics then given would be maintained in the future ; it is,
however, pleasing to relate that whether judged by the Birth
rate, Death rate, or Sanitary condition, 1889 bears favourable
comparison with any of the previous ones, and points forcibly that
the measures taken by the Vestry and their Officers for
the suppression of all those nuisances which may be and are
prejudicial to the health of the inhabitants, have met with
deserved success. The Births, notwithstanding the fact that
many which used to be registered in this District, but owing
to the removal of the Workhouse are now recorded in the
Parish of Wandsworth, have fully maintained their numbers,
and the rate is consequently high, whilst the mortality has but
slightly increased. As will be seen further on in the Report the
Sanitary Staff under the direction of the Inspector of Nuisances
have done good work, which is fully set forth in Table VII.
Two of the most noticeable matters which have come into
operation during the year is the Notification of Disease Act,
and the better facilities given for the removal of persons to
Hospital. With regard to the former, which came into operation
on October 30th, 1889, it has worked very satisfactory—has
revealed the fact that not nearly so much epidemic disease exists
as was imagined. No friction has occurred and 1 think the
public as well as the Medical Attendants appreciate the
assistance always offered, where required; but there is
one defect in connection with it, it does not go far enough in