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always in excess of that of the second, chiefly from the prevalence of
diarrhoea and other diseases of the zymotic class. As Hackney therefore
becomes more densely populated, the more its inhabitants are likely to
suffer and die during unusually hot weather.
The number of deaths during this quarter have not been so large proportionately
as for the whole of London; for whilst 104,339 persons died in
the whole of London, or at the rate of 2.09 per cent., there were only 426
in Hackney, or excluding the German Hospital and East London Union,
383, which is at the rate of 1.99 per cent. per annum on the total
population.
As regards the diseases which produced death in the Metropolis, the
Registrar-General observes "that the deaths in London exceeded the
average; the high temperature facilitated the decomposition of the impure
refuse under the houses, in the streets, and in the river; diarrhoea was
unusually fatal all over the London area; scarlatina and diphtheria were
epidemic; in the surrounding divisions the mortality was also above the
average—as there the same diseases prevailed with variable degrees of
severity." These remarks precisely apply to Hackney, with the exception
of diphtheria; for there was a very great increase in the mortality of
children under 1 year old from diarrhœa, also in a less degree amongst
older persons; and from scarlatina between the ages of 1 and 20. The
deaths from fever were however less than usual, as they were only
14 against 19 in the corresponding quarter of last year. The deaths from
consumption were greatly in excess of those in the corresponding quarter
of 1858, having been 54 against 37, and against 45 in the quarter ending
July 2nd, 1859.
The chief causes of the fatality of diarrhœa in the District appear to
have been the extensive disturbance of the soil in carrying out the Drainage
Works in the District, and the unusual heat of the weather. I have
during the very hot weather stayed, as far as possible, the emptying and
filling up of privy cesspools, so that the returns for the quarter show a
a smaller number than usual; and as the Main Drainage scheme is progressing
so speedily towards completion, at least so far as this District is
concerned, I do not think it advisable to compel the owners of property to
make these alterations now, except in urgent cases.
The mortality at the different ages was as follows :—of children under
1 year of age 121; of those between 1 and 20 years of age 88; between
20 and 40 years 53; between 40 and 60 years 54; between 60 and 80
years no less than 82; and of persons above 80 years 28. Of the 426
deaths, 127 were caused by zymotic diseases; 16 by maladies of uncertain