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12
REPORTS OF DR. WILKINSON
THE MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH
to
THE BOARD OF WORKS FOR THE LEWISHAM DISTRICT
FROM APRIL, 1861, TO MARCH, 1862,
inclusive.
APRIL.
DISTRICTS.
BIRTHS.
DEATHS.
Males.
Females.
Total.
Males.
Females.
Total.
Blackheath
—
—
—
3
2
5
Lewisham
12
13
25
3
11
14
Union Workhouse
—
—
—
1
1
2
Sydenham
13
14
27
4
4
8
Penge
5
7
12
1
1
2
North Surrey Dis. School
—
—
—
0
1
1
Watermen's Asylum
—
—
—
1
0
1
King Wm.'s Naval Asylum
—
—
—
0
1
1
Total
30
34
64
13
21
34
Gentlemen,
The mortality registered between the 23rd of March and the 20th of April, is the
same as the average for the last six years, but taking into consideration the increase of
population during this time, the result shows a decided diminution in the average
number of deaths in the district. Five deaths have taken place from all causes in
Blackheath; fourteen in Lewisham; two in the Union Workhouse; eight in Sydenham;
two in Penge; one in the North Surrey District School, Penge; one in the
Waterman's Asylum, Penge; one in the Royal Naval Asylum, Penge.
Two deaths have taken place in the district from inflammation of the breathing
organs.
Three also from pulmonary consumption.
Three deaths have taken place from epidemic diseases, viz.—one from hooping cough
in Home's Dale, Lewisham, and two from diptheria, of which one took place in Lewisham
Park, and one in Silver Street, Lewisham.
A death took place from natural decay at the age of 90, in Camden Cottages, Blackheath,
and one at the age of 89 in Lewisham. Besides these, four deaths took place
between the ages of 70 and 80.
The deaths of eleven children under 5 years of age are registered.
A groom died from an accident at the Crystal Palace Station.
Of epidemic diseases, hooping cough is still rather prevalent.
The completion of the iron sewer under the Anerly Canal, suggests to my mind the
great importance of using some means by deodorization and filtration or direct drainage,
to relieve the Ravensbourne of the additional amount of poisonous filth which will be
thrown into it when the Norwood Sewage is added to that of Penge.