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???the diluted state it is still fatal to animal life, often generating
???phus and other maladies, and always causing diseases to put
???a more malignant form in the vicinity of drains and sewers,
???does not then appear rational to let out this gas wholesale in
???e most populous thoroughfare of Rotherhithe. Surely some
???ther means of ventilation might be found, the emissions from
these air-shafts being as bad, if not worse, than those from an
???pen ditch, which are spread over a large surface, and conse???uentlv
more surely diluted. Large tubes extending from the
???awer high up into the atmosphere might be easily had recourse
???o, and should the gases still prove obnoxious to the inhabitants,
???t would require no great effort of human ingenuity to decom???ose
them by fire. Volumes have been written upon these gases,
???heir poisonous effect upon man and animals, and how to get rid
of them, but it is questionable to me, whether any method of
getting rid of them can be worse than the one recently employed
a Rotherhithe.
The damaged grain and other decomposing vegetable matter
has been removed from Mr. Fisher's premises.
The tank containing ammoniacal liquor at the Gas-works has
been covered, as recommended.
The houses numbered 1,2, 3, 4, 5, Swan-lane (north end),
are certainly among the oldest in Rotherhithe, and are wanting
???n everything conducive to health and comfort. At Nos. 2, 3,
and 4, the privies are dilapidated with large holes in the sides
and roof: at No. 4 there is no privy at all, and the effects ofsuch
a want might be seen scattered about the yard. Add to this,
stopped drains, absence of dustbins, and no water supply. Upon
the importance of the latter to the sanitary education of the
people I have often insisted in my previous reports.
Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, Kenning's-buildings, were partially put in
order in the beginning of this current year, but no water has
been laid on to the closets, and they have become stopped.
Notices have been served.
At No. 1, Wells'-tenements, there is occasionally a smell of
drainage at the back part of the house. I am inclined to think
that a drain passes under the house and is out of order.
The parish was not so healthy last month as in October. The
low temperature which prevailed for some days much
affected the aged, and the sudden vicissitudes of temperature
affected all ailing persons. Thus, on the 24th of November, at
four a.m., the thermometer stood in the Tunnel-yard at 22°,
or ten degrees below the freezingpoint, at noon on the same day
at 32°, and at noon on the next day, 2oth November, at 48°,
giving a rise of 26° in thirty-two hours.
Bronchitis and inflammatory affections of the chest have been
c