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As it is desirable to ascertain the class of diseases which have increased the mortality in
the parish, a reference to the tables annexed, compared with those of the year before, will
prove that epidemic diseases have contributed forty-five deaths, diseases of the respiratory
organs thirty-five, and disease of the heart twelve deaths in excess of the former year.
Diarrhœa was fatal in 29 cases, all under two years of age, the high temperature of the
summer months being the probable cause of the increase of the deaths from that disease.
Whooping Cough was unusually prevalent, and caused twenty-nine deaths.
Two hundred and ninety-nine deaths occurred under five years of age, forty-one from
five to twenty, one hundred and fifteen from twenty to fifty, and one hundred and forty-four
between fifty and one hundred and one years of age. Sanitary work has not diminished,
various forms of nuisance having required the interference of the sanitary officer and myself;
one hundred and forty-seven notices were served, which have all been attended to. The
Slaughterhouses have been inspected from time to time, the majority are small, but apparently
large enough for the wants of the occupiers; the slaughtering of animals at home appears to
be diminishing, and butchers seem to be more inclined to buy dead meat.
The condition of the premises inspected was satisfactory except in one instance; the
slaughterhouse of Mr. Spencer was, on many occasions, in a dirty state, and used for improper
purposes, which induced the Vestry to object to the renewal of his license, and the Magistrates
at the sessions refused his application.
During the year the Cowhouses have been visited, and no cause for complaint was in
existence at the time of the inspection. The inspection of the Bakehouses was on the whole
satisfactory ; as regards cleanliness, ventilation of the premises, and general order, they have
improved.
It is usual in the summer months to receive complaints of the short supply of water
furnished by the Southwark and Vauxhall Company, the usual outcry was manifested this
year, and some of the inhabitants were so dissatisfied, that a memorial was presented to the
Vestry and forwarded to the Board of Trade on the subject; this course led to the inspection
of several houses in the parish by Capt. Tyler, on the part of the Board of Trade, which
process was followed by a speedy improvement in the supply of water, and a cessation of
complaints for the season.
A long standing nuisance has at length been brought to a termination by the covering
of the Earl Sewer, in those parts where it travelled near human dwellings.
My thanks are due to you for the assistance you have rendered me in the performance of
my duties, and I am under obligations to my colleagues for their kind co-operation.
Yours respectfully,
SAMUEL TILLEY.
Rotherhithe, September, 1869.
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