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convenient for such purpose, is at present occupied by ill-ventilated houses,
densely packed together, and crowded with poor people, where contagious
diseases are of frequent occurrence. As these diseases extend their ravages
over a large area, the whole Metropolis would be benefitted by the removal
of such fever nests, for it is well known that contagious diseases are not
confined to the localities where they originate. A place in every respect
suited for a fish market, is that portion of the District situated between Royal
Mint Street and St. Katherine Docks, which is now occupied by a dense,
poor, and unhealthy population, and where the property, from its bad condition,
might be bought at a cheap rate.
SANITARY WORKS PERFORMED DURING THE YEAR 1868.
The following return shows the amount of work done by the Sanitary
Inspectors during the year 1868
Number of houses visited, as shown in the official returns .. 28,839
Houses systematically visited, and rooms measured to ascertain
their cubic capacity 1464
Number of rooms found to be overcrowded, the space being less
than 300 cubic feet for each person, reckoning two children
for one adult 15
Number of cases of indecent occupation discovered 118
Preliminary notices served 1997
Compulsory orders issued 179
Summonses heard at police courts 21
Houses in which the rooms or passages have been whitewashed
Dust bins provided 191
Privies cleansed or repaired 395
"Water butts or cisterns provided or repaired 297
Drains in houses improved 407
Cesspools abolished 25
Accumulations of dung and other offensive matter removed 197
Area gratings, cellar flaps, &c., repaired 30
Cases of prolonged retention of the dead in inhabited rooms 3
Cellars used as dwellings discontinued for such use 28
Houses closcd, the same being unfit for human habitation 7
Animals so kept as to be a nuisance, removed 8
Yards of houses paved or pavement repaired 394
Number of special notices served for registration of houses 65
Houses systematically revisited 229
Copies of "Workshop Regulation Act distributed 80
The cow-houses in the District (24 in number) have been visited four
times during the year.
The slaughter-houses (38 in number) have been visited the same number
of times.
The bake-houses (83 in number) have been twice specially visited during
the same period.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
JOHN LIDDLE.
15, GREAT ALIE STREET.