View report page

11
as the result of Atrophy and Debility.
Seventy deaths were attributable to violence, a slight excess being
noticed in the quarter ended Lady-day. Of the total deaths 4.6 per cent.
were due to this cause, and the annual rate of mortality therefrom was 1.1
per 1,000 living. Of these deaths 12 were due to fractures and contusions, 5
to burns and scalds, 37 to drowning, 10 to suffocation, 1 to murder. Five
of the deaths were suicides, in which drowning was resorted to in one case,
and hanging in 4.
In six cases the causes of death were not specified.
SANITARY WORK.
Several hundred houses were inspected in the district, and though it
was neither to be exacted nor desired that in every house visited sanitary
defects were to be discovered, still so many faults were brought to light,
which Would otherwise have remained unnoticed, that I look upon the
systematic house to house visitation as a great sanitary aid. Houses where
contagious disease had exited were cleansed, and the sick rooms disinfected;
the paper striped from the walls, bedding and clothes when necessary destroyed,
ventilation where defective improved, removal to hospital of infectious
diseases urged, and disinfectants gratuitously supplied. I take this opportunity
of expressing my entire satisfaction at the efficient manner in which the
Inspectors performed the duties allotted them. For the particulars of the
Sanitary work done, I beg to refer you to Table VI.
WATER SUPPLY.
The average amount of solid matter per gallon contained in the water
supplied by the East London Company was 19 grains, and of organic matter
rather less than ½ grain. The total hardness averaged 14 degrees, and the