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11
Annual Report of the Medical Officer of Health-1877—8.
???ither partitions,r screens, nor curtains, to separate them. Had the like disclosure
been made of a similar state of things in any of the Districts of the Metropolis, the ears of
people would hare been made to tingle at the gross and culpable neglect, and at the
corse than utter uselessness of Vestries. No heed would hare been paid to the difficulties
Which are in the way, where Vestries have to contend with a poor and ignorant people,
ho are free to do as they like, when compared with the soldier; and who freely
cercise that liberty. Then, again, wo have positively had an Inspector of Nuisances,
king) out a Summons against Government— the property was under the control of the
???cretary of War—for having their buildings in Globe Street, Bethnal Green, which
???aiated of Barracks, Officers' Quarters, Adjutant's House, and Hospital, in such a
???ndition as to be "a nuisance and injurious to health."
These facts do not encourage our hopes of the benefits that would accrue from a
???ange of authority. Government is hardly ever in advance of the public mind; often
deed not upon a level with it.
Authority is however needed. For there are always to bo met with, obstinate, ignorant,
fish people, who linger behind public opinion, and what is worse will not act juatly
wards their fellow men, nor even towards themselves where a present outlay of money
???uds future benefit; people, whoso understandings are deaf to the necessity of progress,
???d whose conversation is antiquated folly. For such, I confess to have often felt the
???sire for some stern, prompt Act. Such persons are obstructions in the worst sense.
hen upon compulsion they are obliged to carry out some sanitary work, they will only
??? do it so far, as to place themselves outside the power of the law, and then raise the
???nts out of all proportion. It may be asked, Why should the tenants stay ? There are no
says open to eacape, Dwellings for tho people are everywhere insufficient in number.

During the year that ended 30th March, 2183 children were born alive and registered
this District. Of these 1126 were boys, and 1057 were girls. The birth rate exceeded
at which prevailed in 1876—7 by 84.
The deaths registered during the same period were 1283, giving an increase of 77
???er that of the preceding year. The number of males was 608 and that of females 675:
???noe 67 more girls died than boys. The excess of births over deaths was 900. The deaths
re 88 below the average of the last ten years. In the 37th week of 1877, the death rate
???s 13, the lowest number that happened in any of the weeks; in the 3rd week of 1878
death rate was 30, the highest number that occurred in the year in any week.