View report page

28
myself and a joint affidavit with Mr. Ellis on the thirteenth of
December. Numerous other affidavits were filed on the same
day by Drs. Letheby and Stevenson, and by inhabitants who
complained of the smell. These measures were effectual in
obtaining the removal of the nuisance, as v. ill be stated more at
length in my next report.
Another important question was as to the propriety of
allowing a new Cemetery to be formed at the Clapton Park
Estate on the low ground contiguous to the Lea Cut. As I
stated in my evidence before Mr. Holland, the Medical Inspector
of Graveyards, it was unfit for the purpose, because a considerable
proportion of it was not much above the level of the lowest
sewer into which it could be drained, and as water was usually
to be met with about five feet below the surface of the ground
at its lowest part, so that if more than one coffin were placed in
a grave it would soon be covered with water, even if earth were
placed on the lowest part. After two inspections and hearing
numerous witnesses for and against the scheme, Mr. Holland
made so unfavourable a report that the Secretary of State
refused to sanction it. I also accompanied Mr. Holland in
making an Inspection of the old burial ground in Well Street,
in consequence of complaints as to interments within a short
distance of the houses in St. Thomas Place. After referiug to
the Order in Council and making several measurements, the
Vicar and Churchwardens agreed not to bury any one there
except in the family vaults, so that this ground is closed. I also
attended at the Worship Street Police Court to give evidence in
favour of the prosecution against the Rev. Mr. Hugo, for burying
a child contrary to the provisions of the Order in Council,
when Mr. Newton ordered Mr. Hugo to pay a penalty of five
pounds and costs. I also inspected Homerton Churchyard and
obtained a restriction as to common intements, so that no one