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11
If not equal to some suburban spots, it can still challenge comparison
with London as a whole, or other Sub-districts in the immediate
vicinity. Although such a state of things calls for gratitude, it
equally forbids exultation. The mortality of London is still supposed
to yield six unnatural deaths annually to every thousand
living persons. It is, as it should be, the constant aim of this
Board and its Officers to diminish, as far as possible, this waste
of human life. But our powers are limited. Positive and injurious
nuisances can be removed, but yet there will remain those causes of
disease and death which can only be banished by individual effort.
Personal and social reform can alone accomplish this object; and
when the poorer classes especially arc led to recognize the importance
of cleanliness, temperance, and habits of virtue and order, this great
and permanent benefit will accrue to the commonwealth.
During the period over which the present Report extends, two
railroads have been opened in the District, and the whole length of
Southwark Street made available for traffic. Other public and
beneficial works are advancing in the neighbourhood, and we may
confidently anticipate still further progress in social, domestic, and
sanitary improvement.
It only remains that I should direct your attention to the labors
of your Inspector of Nuisances during the past year, which are
summarised in an appended Table. The prevalence of Fever has
necessitated corresponding effort on his part to diminish those
nuisances which are supposed to generate and feed the disease.
Included among those labors has been the inspection of 17 Slaughterhouses,
11 Cowhouses, and 18 Bakehouses in the District.
In conclusion, I beg leave gratefully to acknowledge the cordial
and harmonious co-operation of the Members of the Board and its
Officers, in every effort to discharge those duties which your confidence
has entrusted to me.
R. BIANCHI,
Medical Officer of Health.