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adopted, but he added that it might he possible in some degree to remedy
the matters complained of.
At an interview between the Surveyor and the owner of the houses in
Jacob's Court, it was agreed that the repairs and alterations as set forth in
writing by the Surveyor should be complied with.
DISEASES PREVENTION ACT, 29 Vict., c. XXXV.
An Act for the better Prevention of Contagious Diseases at certain
Naval and Military Stations has been in operation since October, 1866,
and from the reports of the Medical Inspectors at the several stations where
such Act has been in force, it appears that the health of the men forming
our Navy and Army has been greatly improved. It is therefore a subject
well worthy of consideration how far it is possible so to modify the Act as to
make it applicable to London and all large cities and towns in the United
Kingdom. As there were no less than 442 deaths in London from syphilis,
and 1662 deaths from the same disease in England in the year 1866, indicating
probably upwards of 44,000 cases in London, and 166,200 in the country
generally, and which disease produces the most direful effects upon the population,
and may be transmitted from generation to generation, the question
of its prevention or even of the mitigation of its severity is a subject deserving
the attention of the public, and especially of those persons who are
engaged in the prevention and cure of disease. I however, content myself at
present with simply drawing attention to this important Act of Parliament,
so that the question may be well considered before the legislature is asked
to pass an Act with similar provisions to that now in force in certain places
which shall be applicable to this Metropolis.
This Act is now in force in Portsmouth, Plymouth and Davenport,
Woolwich, Chatham, Sheerness, Aldershot, Windsor, Colchester, Shorncliffe,
The Curragh, Cork and Queenstown, but it does not extend to Scotland.
ANNUAL REPORT.
The number of deaths registered in this District, during the year 1868,
has been 2519, and the number of births 2611. The deaths in 1867 were
2331 and the births 2686. The deaths therefore are in excess of those in
1867 by 188 and the births are less by 75. The return of births and deaths
for this year are not very satisfactory. The deaths in the Workhouse have
been 376 against 331 for the previous year, and the deaths in the London
Hospital 536 against 445.
In consequence of the pulling down for public improvements within the
last two years of about 195 houses,* and the erection of only 9 new ones, it
* The following are the places in which houses have, within the last two years,
been taken down : Back Church Lane 7, Church Lane 29, Crown Court Eoad Side 14,
Colchester Street 25, Great Garden Street 3, High Street 8, Leman Street 2, Plough
Street 10, Buckle Street 3, Barley Mow Court 8, Swan Court 10, Sheppy Yard 2, Queen
Ann Street 32, John Street 32, Buck's Eow 3, Little Alie Street 7. Houses rebuilt
during the same period: Inkhorn Court 1, Glasshouse Street 5, Sugar Loaf Court 1,
Chamber Street 2.