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(North Witchford) the Registrar-General remarks, affords a striking
instance of the important results that can be attained through health
administration. The average annual rate of mortality fell from 27 per
1000 in 1841-50 to 21 in 1851-60, and to 20 in 1861-70. In the four
years 1871-4 the results are still more remarkable, the mortality being
reduced to 17 per 1000.
If further testimony were requisite to show the beneficial results of
sanitary works in promoting the public health, I may refer you to the
Report of Dr. Buchanan, which is published in the Ninth Report of the
Medical Officer of the Privy Council who, at Page 40, in words to the
following effect, states—that he had visited in the course of 1865-66
twenty-five towns, containing an aggregate population of 606,186
persons, according to the census of 1861, in which the authorities had
carried out works designed for the improvement of public health.
The nature of the sanitary operations carried out in these twentyfive
towns consisted of one, or all, of the following:—1, drainage works
affecting surface, sub-soil, or houses; 2, improved water supply;
3, adoption of measures designed for the removal of decomposing organic
matters; 4, the substitution of the water-closet system for cesspools and
middens; 5, improved paving, scavengery, and public cleanliness; 6,
amendment of the lodgment of the inhabitants, the regulation of the
Common Lodging Houses and the repression of overcrowding.
In the great majority of the twenty-five towns there has been
distinct reduction of the total death-rate. In nine of them, having an
aggregate population of 204,641, the reduction has amounted to about
a fifth part of the previous rate of death. In eleven other towns, the
fall in the death-rate has been less considerable. In three or four towns
(including one that has scarcely finished its works,) the rate has been
stationary; and one shows an increase in the rate of mortality since the
period when the works designed for its improvement were executed. The
chief reduction in mortality is in those towns where the previous deathrate
was most excessive; and, secondly, in those towns where, along
with sanitary improvements, suitable changes in the social and industrial
condition of the population has taken place; and, thirdly, in those
towns that cannot yet have got the full fruit of the sanitary works. In
judging therefore, of the relative value of sanitary measures, these considerations
must be kept in view.
The most recent information on the subject of the beneficial results
afforded by the carrying into effect of sanitary works is exemplified in
the health of Tottenham. "During the years 1871-2-3, Tottenham was
suffering from the effects of long continued sanitary neglect. During
the last three years (1874-5-6) Tottenham was reaping the benefits of