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9
without cleansing; and it is not until some fatal epidemic appears
that the people recognize their responsibility, and see that they
are properly cleansed.
The statistical Table I have the honour to present on this
occasion, will fully inform you of the state of your District, in as
far as the death rate is a correct criterion of health. The circumstances
of the District during the past year were somewhat peculiar.
During that period the amalgamation of the several Parishes of
which the Union in now constituted has been effected, and it is
therefore impossible to separate the deaths in the Workhouse in
this District into two Parishes, for the purpose of comparison,
as I have previously done.
The Tables of the past year are also prepared and compared
with the population of 1861; the Census of 1871 not having been
taken at the time to which this Report refers. It is probable that
it will eventually be found that the population of your District has
diminished while others have increased since the people were last
numbered, so that the favourable comparison of the present may
disappear on the next annual occasion I may have the honour to
appear before you. There is however a sufficient margin of
advantage in the comparison to justify the St. Saviour's District
Board to believe that the locality they represent is happily among
the most favoured of the Metropolis, in respect to its health and
mortality. With respect to the epidemic diseases it will be
observed there were only two fatal causes of small-pox during the
year; one case of cholera is registered ami appears in the table.
One case also of relapsing fever was registered and reported to
the Registrar-General, but, as that peculiar epidemic appears to
have ceased in the District, I have not tabulated it distinctly.
The Registrar-General having this year adopted a more definite
classification of diseases, especially in reference to fever, it may
possibly next year, for the purpose of comparison, be my duty to
re-arrange the form of return.
The Tables I now leave in your possession will afford all the
information necessary to form a correct estimate of the sanitary
condition of the District.
The tabular statement of your Inspector of Nuisances will prove
that he has performed his duty with his accustomed vigilance;
but in addition to what appears there, it is but justice to add that
from time to time he has caused to be seized and destroyed, as
unfit for food, a large number of baskets of cherries, peas,
cucumbers, vegetables, and fish.
It is again my pleasant duty to thank the Gentlemen of this
Board and the Officers with whom it is my duty to associate, for
the great kindness they have always exhibited in the peifoimance
of my duties. ROBERT BIANCHI.