London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London

Shoreditch 1861

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Shoreditch, Parish of St. Leonard]

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16
metropolitan rate is made on a population estimated for the middle of the
year, and not on the enumerated population on the 8th April. Applying
the same rule to Shoreditch, it will be necessary to raise the population by
one-fourth of its annual rate of increase. This will give a population of
129,829; and will reduce the death-rate below 1 in 43, and below the gross
metropolitan rate. In the Report for the year 1860, I gave a tabular view
of the death-rates in Shoreditch for the six years 1855—1860; year by year
the rates stand as follows:—1 in 39, 1 in 40, 1 in 35, 1 in 38.6, 1 in 43,
1 in 43. The latter most favorable rate was sustained in 1861.
We have, then, the testimony of two leading statistical tests speaking
in favour of the progressive amelioration of the sanitary condition of the
district. These are: firstly, a steadily progressive diminution in the
death-rates during a series of years, concurrently with sanitary administration;
secondly, an absolute moderate mortality sustained during a
period of three years.
These are the great facts, resulting from the simple comparison of the
gross mortality with the gross population, and setting aside all analytical
inquiry into the minor elemental features of the problem. We pass on to
the subsidiary tests supplied by the study of the relative mortality at
different ages, and of particular causes of death.
Ages at Death.—Of 1581 deaths of males, 848 occurred in children
under the age of 5 years; and of 1596 females, the deaths under 5 years
were 722. It thus appears, that whilst 53 per centum. of all the male
deaths happen under 5 years old, the proportion of infant female deaths
is only 46 per centum. In both sexes the proportion is 49 per centum,
or just below one half. The proportion is heavy. But we have no accurate
standard that will enable us to determine the relative increase or
decrease in the proportion of infant deaths. The mode of dealing with
"Still-births" may materially affect the mortality tables. A still-birth
is not registered. But if the theory be now more generally adopted
amongst medical men, that the act of breathing is not the only essential
sign of life, then will a greater number of infant deaths appear upon the
register than in former years. Still it must continue to be a subject
demanding anxious study to trace the causes that assail infant life, with
a view to their removal. These causes will be seen by referring to the
second and third columns of Table I.

Table: Contracts Entered into by the Vestry for General Works & supply of Materials.For the Year ending 25th March,1862.

Contracts Entered into by the Vestry for General Works & supply of Materials.

For the Year ending 25th March,1862.

date of contract.name of contractor.works to be performed, or materials supplied.
4th June, 1861Independent Gas Company, HaggerstoneTo Light the whole of the Public Lamps in that part of the parish that is situate on the North side of Worship-street, the supply of Burners, Service Pipes, and Fittings complete, also the Painting, Repairing, and all removals required, at £4 per Lamp per annum.
25th ,,Chartered Gas CompanyTo Light the whole of the Public Lamps in that part of the parish that is situate on the South side of Worship-street.Four feet per hour Newcastle Coal Gas, each Lamp per annum £3 16s., with 15/ each for Lighting, Cleansing, Painting, Repairs &c.
4th „Mr. Henry Dodd, of Eagle Wharf-roadDusting and Scavenging the Parish for £2690.
„ „Mr. Henry Booth, Kingsland-road BridgeMason's Work
„ „Mr. Henry Booth, dittoPavior's Work
„ „Mr. Henry Dodd, of Eagle Wharf-roadBallast 3/3 Sand 3 3 and Shingle 3 9 per cubic load
„ „ditto dittoFlints 6/11 and Broken Kentish Rag Stone 7/9 per cubic load
„ „Mr. Henry Booth, of Kingsland-road BridgeBroken Granite 16/5 per cubic yard
„Mr. A. T. Roberts, of 2. Hackney-roadPrinting
„ „Mr. Henry Robinson, of Clifton-street, FinsburyStationery
„ „Mr. James Little, of 76, York-street, Kingsland-roadPainter's and Writer's Work
„ „Mr. Charles. Frdk. Sayer, of 23, Belgrave-ter., Queen's-rd.Plumber's Work
„ „Mr. James Barnes, of 19, Old Street-roadSmith's Work
„ „Mr. William Henry Tilley, Edward-street, Kingsland-roadLamp Lanthorns, &c.
„ „Mr. Christopher Barningham, 12, Suffolk-grove, BoroughLamp Posts, Columns, &c.
„ „Mr. John Barrett, 30, Worship-streetStreet Broom Heads
„ „Mr. Charles Blenkins, 8½ & 9, Little Cambridge-streetGeneral Cartage
„ „Messrs. Rosher, Kingsland-roadLime