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dwellings has been materially amended. Many acres of ground thickly
covered with houses have been provided with effective drainage and
sewerage.
In my last year's report, it was stated that the number of houses
demolished for the purpose of the railways amounted to 547. Down to
the present time the number is 643; so that nearly 100 more houses
have disappeared. The greater part of these are of a description to
occasion no regret for their loss. Amongst the most satisfactory demolitions
is that of Red Lion Court. Many houses also in Long Alley have
been taken down, and those remaining, will be materially improved by
the opening up of better access to light and air. In addition to the railway
demolitions, I record with much satisfaction the clearing away of
the whole nest of small tenements behind the Fuller's Almshouses.
These places were so badly situated and so defectively constructed
as to defy efficient sanitary improvement. It is also gratifying to see
the removal of Fuller's Alms-houses themselves.—They were not fit for
their purpose. The aged objects of the Charity, will in future enjoy
a residence in every way more suitable to their wants and more in accordance
with the benevolent intentions of the founder.
The new Vestry Hall will take the place of these Almshouses and of
the courts in the rear referred to.
The inspector's report and the report of the Sanitary Committee,
which has continued its labours with excellent effect, under the Chairmanship
of Mr. Sarson, contain an enumeration of the sanitary works
carried out.
In my last report, I referred to the defect of power available for the
abatement of the most serious cause of the propagation of infectious
diseases, arising out of the practice of retaining the bodies of persons
who have died of such diseases in inhabited houses. The subject seemed
to me so important, that I drew up a paper on the subject for discussion,
by the association of Metropolitan Officers of health. The necessity for
the following provisions was universally recognized :—
1st.—The establishment of public mortuaries for the reception of
the dead bodies pending arrangements for interment.