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in habitants by 234,002, the latter by 8,599 since the census of 1861. This
normous accession to the Metropolitan population in all probability will be
found to have occurred specially in the suburban districts, and there is little
doubt that the Fulham District has received its full share. At the census of
811 the population of the Fulham District was only 13,296, of which Hamaersmith
contained 7,393, and Fulham 5,903.
The resources, however, of both parishes in this direction are now almost
Unlimited if properly directed and controlled.
Large tracts of land admirably adapted for building purposes lie within
hem, and the sound of the bricklayer's trowel may almost everywhere be
eard; the main sewers run through the leading thoroughfares from one end
o the other ; of their tributaries many have been already for some time in
Active operation, and many others are yet in contemplation. Houses of
almost every class may find a suitable locale. The Gentleman and the
Artizan may each have his pleasant dwelling, and that without those drawbacks
vhich in former times may have been our stigma. Our swamps and open
litches have under your rule been gradually banished from our sight by an
efficient system of drainage, and many of the low-classed properties have
been wonderfully improved.
Such advantages may yet be marred. The Building Act, though
Forking much for good, is still defective in many main and essential pariculars.
The restrictions upon building operations are not sufficient to
revent the speculative builder from raising his block of houses in the fields
vith neither road nor sewer for their accommodation, and these persons are tho
first raise a cry against the Local Board on both these scores. The result is
requently a fever-stricken family from defective sanitary conditions, and
when once contagious maladies begin on fitting soil it sometimes proves a
difficulty to check their spread.
But even if monetary considerations alone guided us in this respect the
aw relating to the irremovable poor, as at present in existence, makes it
assential that we should diminish as far as possible the pauperizing influences
within our District. I need not say how greatly sanitary defects contribute
o the amount of sickness amongst the poor, and how greatly increased is
he cost therefrom.
The following statistics have been kindly furnished to me by Mr. Svvail,
he Chairman of the Board of Guardians, from which it will be seen how
seriously the charges from pauperism have increased among us during the
ast 10 years in spite of all the great improvements which have been
effected:—
Relief of Irremovable Poor for the Year ending March 25th, 1856.
£ s. d.
Fulham . . 884 3 9
Hammersmith , 761 11 7 J
House , . 527 15 9
£2,173 11 1£
Relief of Irremovable Poor for tho Year ending March 25th, 1856.
£.
s.
d.
Fulliam
. 884
3
9
Hammersmith
761
11
7 1/4
House ,
527
15
9
£2,173
11