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The debilitating effect of this gas has been felt by every one
who has had occasion to travel much on the river. If the sewage
of London were diverted into another channel, the Thames would
purge itself in a few weeks. It is deplorable, indeed, to see the
noblest stream in the British Isles, the self-preserving qualities
of whose waters were formerly renowned all over the world, now
converted into a huge tidal ditch, bearing the germs of disease
and death into the heart of this densely-populated metropolis.
The average temperature of the month of June, 1858, was
higher than it has usually been in the same month of preceding
years. The hottest day was the 16th, when the thermometer
marked 94º5 in the shade, at one o'clock p.m. It is asserted
that there is no instance on record of its having ever before attained
so high a maximum in this country during the month of
June.
The monthly mortality is about the average, there having
been forty deaths registered, among which are five from scarlatina,
one from hooping-cough, and two from malignant sorethroat,
probably diphtheria, though not registered in that name.
A few cases of diarrhœa have appeared, principally among persons
employed on or about the river.
No case of cholera has shown itself among us, and notwithstanding
the hot weather and the stench of the Thames, I am
happy to say that the parish of Rotherhithe was healthier last
month than it generally is at the same time of the year.
In the quarter ending 30th June, one hundred and thirty-six
deaths have been registered, namely, seventy-eight males and
fifty-eight females, and there were born one hundred and seventysix
children, namely, ninety-three males and eighty-three
females. Yours respectfully,
July, 1858. W. MURDOCH.
THIRTY-FIRST REPORT.
Gentlemen,
In cases of fire in Rotherhithe, the length of time which
elapses before any water can be obtained from the pipes of the
companies supplying the parish, has always been to the inhabitants
a source of grievance and complaint. On Sunday, the 25th
of July last, a fire took place at Acorn Wharf, and from information
gathered on the spot, theft is every reason to believe
that an hour and a quarter passed away, before any water
supply reached the Rotherhithe mains from the Kent Waterworks,
and when it did come it was so scanty, that only three