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38
A well known piece of stagnant water "the Mill dam" was in a most offensive
condition, being the receptacle for all the dead animals of its neighbourhood, having
a deep deposit of mud in its bed, and eight of the adjacent houses emptying their
privies into it. These were cut off and connected with the proper sewer, and the bed
cleansed and asphalted by the respective proprietors. Two houses, both unfit for human
habitation, were closed by your orders. About this time, we had a full share of summer
diarrhoea, which was especially fatal to infants, and subsequently, of measles and whooping
cough; but in every case where death occurred, a thorough inspection of the premises
was made, and all possible steps taken when necessary for disinfection, house cleansing,
removal of corpses to the mortuary, and improving defective house drainage and water
supply. My attention was next directed, under the "Rivers Pollution Act, 1876," to
the numerous privies and drains discharging into the Thames, and with your sanction
preliminary steps were instituted for their removal.
A horrible and dangerous nuisance, caused by a person named Judd collecting, to
an enormous extent, fish refuse for manure-making in several arches of the South
Eastern Railway (and mentioned by the Local Government Board Inspector in his
first Report on Noxious Trades), was partially put down by your desiring vour Law
Clerks and myself to procure a Magisterial Order for its removal and discontinuance.
This was done, and as the manure maker refused compliance, he was again summoned,
convicted, and in default of payment of penalties, imprisoned. I fear, however, we are
not rid of him, as he still occupies the same premises, and collects garbage there, while
many legal difficulties prevent prompt, and consequently, effectual action on the part of
your officers.
A stop, also by your direction, was put to some illegal cowkeeping and disobedience
to noticcs for provision of proper drainage, by summons and fine of the offenders.
At the usual period in the autumn, I inspected all the bakehouses and found them,
with one exception (where at my request, after visiting the place, your Committee
ordered important structural alterations), in the same cleanly condition which you have
previously considered satisfactory.
I next visited the cow-houses and slaughter-houses, prior to the annual renewal of
their licenses, and on my report, you approved of them.
The cowhouses, are, on the whole, more suitable for their purpose and better kept,
than most I have seen near us.
I wish I could speak as favourably of the Rotherhithe milk retailed, which in
every instance of my analyses, I found adulterated with at least 25 per cent. of
added water. The influence of this roguery on the health of the community is shewn
by the child death-rate.
In November, a solitary case of Typhus Fever in Elephant Lane, one of
the poorest parts of the parish, proved fatal before it could be removed.