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furniture, garments and bedding, cooking utensils and fuel, have
to be stowed away; and in a small landing on the stairs,
amongst other things the perambulator has to be hung up.
What space can there be to move when all the family are at home ?
In a mixed population of streets and houses of this kind, I
ascertained from the Census returns of 1871, that about 17 per
cent, would be children under 5 years of age; and the Inspector
in his enumeration of children in this district under 15 years of
age, estimated the amount at 1,200.
In the inspection of these streets and houses the works ordered
from time to time have pressed heavily upon landlords.
The Sanitary Committee have in my opinion done, and
continue do, all that as local authority it can attempt to do. It
secures as much as possible that indoor-life shall be safe from the
smells and nuisances arising from imperfect house drains, from
bad water supply, and deficient means of ventilation.
The upper sashes of windows are all made to open freely. It
is however still to be feared that the young, and even many of
the adults, succumb to the influences of polluted air and other
evils from overcrowding in built-up parts of this district. There
are many diseases affecting the vital stamina, which in time
ought to be much better understood, and their causes removed.
What we may venture to hope is, that the Vestry, which
has already taken the initiative in this Parish (in the opening
of St. Mary's Church-yard, and Paddington Green) will avail
itself of the opportunity of providing open spaces with seats,
or recreation grounds, so that all classes alike may have the
privilege of enjoying fresh air and sunshine, weather permitting.
At present, old men and women, and young children, and invalids,
who cannot get so far as the parks—the large squares being
closed to them—are too much exposed to the dangers of street
traffic. It is within the range of municipal duty to secure and
maintain open spaces, to plant and ornament them for the public
benefit. School Boards will ultimately, I hope, as part of their
function try to provide proper play-grounds for the recreation of
school children, instead of leaving them to play in the street,
much to the annoyance of householders, and danger to themselves.
The following Reports and Pamphlets on Public Health
have been received with thanks:—
The Public Health Act for 1872, by C. Bulteel, Esq., F.R.C.S. Plymouth, Surgeon to
the Royal Albert Hospital.
The Solicitor's Report to Metropolitan Board of Works, on the Regulation of the
Water Companies for the constant Water supply, October 1872; Regulations
proposed by the Metropolitan Board of Works for the consideration of the Board
of Trade, and Water Companies.