View report page

10
structure is deposited, or, more technically, "run up,"
and if guided by any principles at all, they are these most
antagonistic to the health and comfort of the future occupants.
This applies not only to the dwellings of the poorer
classes, but also to these of a more pretentious character.
Then the materials are often of a nature and
quality which may, in various ways, endanger the health
of the occupants. It is of course generally known that
the contents of dust-bins are mostly used in the manufacture
of bricks, &c. If this was composed of ashes
only, no danger need be feared, but it is a question
whether the baking process always destroys any deleterious
ingredients. Again, old materials from fever
dens may, with impunity, be used in the erection of new
houses, and thus ensure an early outbreak of fever.
All these evils are allowed witheut any attempt at
prevention or supervision. It is remarkable that no
advance has been made in improving the internal structure
of moderate-sized houses: still the same dark and
awkward passages and stairs, smoky chimneys, doors in
wrong places, rheumatic ventilation; in short, everything
antithetical to health and comfort.
Summary of my Reports to Sanitary Committee
during the Year.
April 10.—Statistics and ordinary report.—Report,
manufacturing nuisance, Bow Common, upon complaint.
—Report upon fever, Prospect Place, and recommendations.
May 6.—Ordinary report.—Report upon small-pox,
Bow Common.
June 10.—Ordinary report.—Report continued, re
small-pox.—Report upon complaints, re sanitary condition
of Cottage Place, and upon the water supply, in
reference to the continuation of the dangerous practice