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46
what anomalous condition and scarcely reconcilable
with the usually accepted hygienic views and practical
experience of such circumstances. Were the disproportion
between the death-rates in the two districts distributed
equally through all classes of disease, the cause
would be discovered in the fact that the deaths in old
persons above 60 years of age in the Eastern, were
nearly double those in the Western District, owing to
the Workhouses being situated in the Eastern. But
when we find the mortality from the principal infectious
diseases so largely in excess in one defined district
over that of an adjoining district, we must look for
other reasons. The death-rate for infants is about
equal. Much of the causes for producing the disproportion
may be attributable to the existence of a large
poor population in the Centre Ward, and in a large
portion of the East Ward.
There were no deaths from small pox in the Hamlet
during the whole year. I have again been unable, in
reply to my application, to obtain for the information of
the Vestry the vaccination statistics of the Hamlet.
Before quitting the subject of infectious diseases. I
have to acknowledge much valuable information voluntarily
given to me by the Medical Officers of the Board
of Guardians, Drs. Cæsar, this has frequently enabled
me to take prompt measures, when most urgently required,
in cases which could not otherwise have come
under my notice. I am also indebted, for similar
prompt assistance, to the Vicar of St. Philip's and the
other clergy of the West Ward of the Hamlet.
Subjoined is the Sanitary Inspector's Report, which
will bo the best evidence of the assiduity and zeal
with which he has performed his duties:—