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deaths in public institutions, the rate becomes elevated to 2.24
per cent., which although in excess of that for 1863, when it
was 2.12 per cent., is much below that of the Northern Districts
generally, and very considerably below that for the whole
of London. The mortality for the Northern Districts in 1863,
was 2.37 against 2.53 in 1864, so that the increase for Hackney
is less than that for the adjacent districts.
The great increase in the number of houses has led to a
corresponding increase in the duties of the sanitary department.
The number of Nuisances abated have been considerably in
excess of those in many previous years. Mr. Valentine has
also had a great deal more trouble than usual in consequence
of the obstinacy of many owners of property. His work has
been so regularly and zealously performed, that only eight
summonses at the Police Court, were necessary to obtain
the removal of so large a number of nuisances. The returns of
nuisances do not always show the amount of work done, as in
the years 1856, 1857, and 1858, notices were served on the
owners of whole streets at once, and there was consequently less
labour incurred in obtaining the removal of 100 nuisances than
often now obtains in the removal of 10. There is no doubt that
the ordinary water-closet is not suited to the poorest classes,
as in consequence of their careless and dirty habits, and want
of control over their children, the water-closets become blocked
up repeatedly and very often broken.
The total number, 1410, of nuisances abated during 1864,
are included under the following headings:
Privies emptied, filled up. and drained into the sewer 169
Privies and cesspools emptied 18
Stable, Pig, Cow-dung, and other refuse removed 185
Premises repaired and whitewashed 211
Galleys trapped, Roads cleansed, &c 23