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34
The following list will show you the mortality from epidemic disease, and the localities
in which deaths have taken place from this cause; most of these localities will be known
to you as almost the only places in which deaths occur from the above-named class of
diseases, and which you will, I know, give me the credit of having repeatedly brought
under your notice as requiring your order to carry out drainage, supply water, remove
offensive accumulations, and otherwise promote the health of the population by sanitary
measures. Thus 9 deaths have occurred from epidemic disease, viz.:—
Hooping cough, Avenue Square, Lewisham.
Malignant scarlet fever, Providence Place, Lewisham.
Diptheria, Village, Lewisham.
Ditto, Phoenix Place, Blackheath.
Measles, Forest Hill, Sydenham.
Ditto, Lower Sydenham.
Ditto, Raglan Street, Sydenham.
Ditto, Wells Road, Sydenham.
Ditto, Wells Road, Sydenham.
I consider it highly desirable for the safety of the public that the gullies in "West
Kent Park should receive proper attention; not only a foul smell arises from these
places, but the gratings are in several instances removed, and consequently very
dangerous for passengers.
The oozing of sewage into St. Germains Road still continues, and is very offensive and
unsightly, besides being prejudical to health.
The sewer is not carried sufficiently far up Russell Street to make it available for
sewage; nor does it affect the part which was described as broken in, dangerous, and
liable to cause obstruction, in my last report.
Offensive sewage still runs along the road near Laurel Brook, Perry Hill, and is
apparently caused by one house only. I think that in the absence of a drain, parties
should be compelled to pump and remove sewage, or at all events, in a clay soil,
deodorize, so that it should not contaminate the public roads.
I have received a letter from Mr. Burton, surgeon, of Lee Park, relative to the inefficient
drainage and want of water supply at Camden Place, Blackheath, and apprehending
mischief if this is not remedied; but this I have already brought under your notice.
The water supply for the whole of Lewisham will, I trust, also receive your earnest
attention.

I have the honour to remain, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
F. E. WILKINSON,
Medical Officer of Health.
Sydenham, 27th January, 1859.