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been made during the progress of the new street and the railway,
by persons so circumstanced, as to the effect of their removal from
the District, and that there has not been a single instance, among
the many who have thus lost their homes, of a recipient of relief
seeking a residence in another Parish. This law was doubtless
intended as a boon to the poor, and has in many cases been proved
to be a desirable relaxation, but in Districts such as yours, it is
obvious that the suffering it entails more than equals the benefit it
confers.
I have thought it advisable to give prominence to these facts,
in order to satisfy this Board that a large amount of disease and
misery is beyond the power of such bodies, or their Officers, to
remedy. Your Inspector of Nuisances has exercised his usual
activity and vigilance, as the return of his labors, fully testifies.
The localities where fever has appeared have been visited, and
measures adopted to arrest its progress; and all that could be
legally done to preserve health has been attempted. The District
is in a state of transition, and the future may be anticipated with
hope. When the new street and the railways are completed, and
the inhabitants become more settled in their homes, there is every
reason to expect that this District will bear a favorable comparison
with the rest of London. Much disease has, doubtless, been prevented
by the active operation of this Board, and we are prepared
for any emergency that may unhappily arise. When the obligations
of property become as fully recognized as its rights; and the
legislature, by wholesome law, releases from thickly populated
districts those whose occupations do not necessitate to remain; and
when the laboring classes generally, enlightened in their true
interests, cultivate habits of sobriety, prudence, and cleanliness,
Public Boards will be able to effect a larger amount of good, and
be in a position to exhibit happier results. Such a consummation
can be attained only by individual efforts and influence co-operating
with public agencies. Such co-operation does to some extent exist,
and is yearly becoming more general. As the facts which I have
thus laid before you are likely to facilitate this object it may be
hoped that even an unfavorable sanitary report will lead to beneficial
results.
I beg, in conclusion, to invite your perusal of the appended
tables. You will observe that the mortality among the inmates of
the workhouse has not been large. One case of fever terminated
fatally, but from this disease it was peculiarly exempt. There
were during the year 36 deaths from unnatural causes, which
occurred chiefly in the Hospitals, and no less than 12 of this
number were either burnt or scalded children.
With my sincere and respectful thanks for the uniform courtesy
and kindness which I have received from this Board and its Officers,
I beg to remain,
Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
ROBERT BIANCHI.