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Gentlemen,
By a reference to the tables of mortality annexed, you will perceive that 80 births and
39 deaths have been registered during the month ending upon Saturday last.
Of the deaths 18 have occurred in children under 10 years of age, 8 between the ages
of 60 and 80, and 2 between the ages of 80 and 90.
The mortality is a little in excess of the average for the last four years, but less than
that occurring during the same period of last year.
Five deaths have taken place from epidemic disease, viz.:—
One measles, Eliot Park Cottage, Sydenham.
One scarlatina, Raglan Street, Sydenham. (Note, Registrar).
One scarlatina and diptheria, Eliot Cottage, Blackheath.
Two hooping cough after measles, "Willow Road. (See note of Mr. Crellin).
More than ever convinced, by a recent inspection of the state of houses in Lewisham,
I cannot but again urge upon the Board the necessity for a general water supply for the
promotion of the health and comfort of the poorer part of the population of the district,
especially those who live in the neighbourhood of Rushey Green and Loampit Vale.
The drainage and general improvement of many localities also require your attention,
as in Lewisham, Exchequer Place, near the office of the Board of Works, which is offensive
and undrained. Avenue Square, where the character of the diseases and deaths
which have taken place during the last few years indicates the necessity for drainage
and general attention to sanitary laws. Hither Green Lane, where there are a great
many houses with no system of drainage.
I cannot too strongly urge the compulsory drainage of houses situate adjacent to the
lines of main sewer. Many inhabitants residing in this advantageous position are still
suffering from nuisance which is easily removable.
In Penge—I have still to complain of the ditch which receives the offensive sewage
from the Crystal Palace, and which should certainly be covered. Also of an accumulation
of manure and offal in Mr. Wren's cow-yard. A person residing between these two
nuisances is now suffering from typhoid fever, which I attribute to the above-mentioned
nuisances.
The drainage from Upper Norwood, distributed at the back of the houses in Anerley
Vale, is still offensive and prejudicial to health.
Sydenham.— Appended are two communications; one from Rev. Taylor Jones, respecting
the accumulation of water opposite Sydenham College, and which I have
already brought before your notice, requesting the construction of a gully for its removal
into the main.
One from Mr. Crellin, surgeon, complaining of the state of Willow Road, which is
extremely filthy and unwholesome, notwithstanding the existence of a main drain, placed
there by the Commissioners of Sewers some years back.
A note is also appended by the Registrar concerning the offensive ditch at the end of
Raglan Street. I have many times attracted your attention to this dreadful nuisance,
close to the main sewer, and now that you have allowed four new houses to be drained
into the same ditch, the evil must be greatly increased, to the danger and detriment of
the inhabitants residing near. The mortality brought under your notice from epidemic
disease in Raglan Street, and the disease always existing there, proves the necessity for
some immediate step to be taken for the protection of the inhabitants.
The dangerous and offensive gullies in West Kent Park require attention.
C