ROMFORD RURAL.-Taking this district as a whole, its sanitary condition is extremely bad, and it is satisfactory to find that the authority's officials are doing what they can to remedy existing evils. We read with pleasure in Mr. Wright's report for 1883, that an extensive and apparently complete system of sewerage for Ilford, Barkingside, and Chadwell Heath, was in contemplation, and if this scheme be carried out, a step will be taken in the right direction. The general rate of mortality for the year was 16.03 per 1,000, while the death-rate from zymotic diseases alone was 13. Diarrhoea was attended with less fatality than in any previous year, but typhoid fever and diphtheria, owing chiefly to imperfect sanitary arrangements, prevailed to a considerable extent. One outbreak of diphtheria was especially illustrative of the connection between the disease and sanitary defects. In this instance two fatal cases occurred in a house where there was internal connection between the sink and the drain, thereby permitting the escape of sewer gas into the house. A recommendation to remedy this arrangement was not acted upon until another case had shown itself, when the requisite alterations were made, with a result that the disease did not again appear. The birth-rate for the year was 34'4 per 1,000.

SAINT GEORGE-IN-THE-EAST.-The health returns of this parish for 1882 will compare favourably with those recorded in many previous years. The chief cause for satisfaction is to be found in the great diminution in the deaths from zymotic diseases, which fell from 215 in 1881 to 153 in 1882-the year under consideration. The decrease was most marked in the deaths from measles and diarrhoea. Only II per cent. of the total deaths were attributed to diseases of this order, which is the lowest proportion that Mr. Rygate has yet recorded. There was some increase in the deaths of children under one year of age, as compared with the total deaths at all ages, the percentage being 28'4, against an average of 267. Nearly half the entire mortality occurred in children who had not attained five years of age. During the year there were registered 1,929 births and 1,197 deaths. Compared with the average of the ten preceding years, the births showed an increase of 60, and the deaths a decrease of

44. A little more information as to the sanitary progress of the district would have been acceptable.

were

SALFORD.-In his annual report for 1882, Dr. Tatham has again presented a very comprehensive account of the sanitary condition of this borough. It is a matter for regret that the medical officer should have so repeatedly to urge upon his committee the necessity for action in the matter of providing public abattoirs, and, looking to the benefits which would doubtless accrue to the district from the erection of such institutions, we trust that when Dr. Tatham has next to revert to this subject he will be in a position to state that his frequent appeals on this head have at length met with a response. The vital returns, though not quite so favourable as those of the preceding year, which was an exceptionally healthy one, highly encouraging. The birth-rate, was identical with that for 1881, 38.8 per 1,000. The death-rate 23.2, was a shade over that for the previous year, but, with this exception, was the lowest on record. It must be a source of no inconsiderable congratulation to Dr. Tatham that he should be enabled to point out that, as compared with the average of the seventeen preceding years, the rate of mortality in 1882 was lower by not less than 16 per cent.' The zymotic diseases contributed somewhat under a fifth of the total mortality, or 45 deaths per 1,000 population. Of the six principal diseases of this class, the deaths from which were equivalent to only 2.7 per 1,000, against an average of 3'9, measles was the most fatal. This disorder accounted for 157 deaths, or o'90 per 1,000, compared with an average of 144. Scarlet fever, which usually heads the list, took second place in 1882, with a death-roll of 81, or 0.44 per 1,000, against an average of 200. Small-pox, which had shown itself at the end of the previous year, was discovered in 72 cases, of which 18, or

one-fourth, did not recover. There was a considerable diminution in the fatality from fever, the death-rate from this disease being only o'34 per 1,000, compared with an average of 0.64. Diarrhoeal diseases were registered with 240 deaths, or 1.30 per 1,000, against an average of 322.

STALYBRIDGE.-In his report for 1883, Mr. RobertsDudley speaks in very high terms of the sanitary condition of this borough, which he describes as being thoroughly satisfactory.' The drains and ashpits,' he states, are well looked after, and kept in good order. The water supply is of the purest kind, and second to none in the kingdom!' It is not surprising, therefore, that, in a borough possessing these manifold advantages, there should have been a com parative scarcity of zymotic disease in 1883. Thus, the zymotic death-rate, which, on seven occasions during the previous nine years, had exceeded 3 per 1,000, for the year under notice was only 1.3. The decrease was most striking in the case of whooping-cough, from which complaint not one death resulted, while only 15 deaths were referable to diarrhoeal disease-a number considerably below the average. It is to be observed that the cases of scarlet fever were of an exceptionally severe nature-no less than 9, or I in 4, of the 34 cases reported, terminating fatally. Comparing the deaths in infants with births registered, the proportion was 128 per 1,000-a much more favourable ratio than usual. The general rate of mortality during the year was 21.5 per 1,000, the birthrate being 30.3.

ST. GILES'S.-The year 1882 was marked in this district, among other incidents, by the completion of the Public Mortuary and Coroner's Court in Goldsmith Street, Drury Lane. The ordinary routine of sanitary work was actively pursued, the inspectors making 11,776 visits and inspections, and serving 1,318 orders on owners of properties for the abatement of nuisances and the improvement of houses and premises.' Both the birth- and death-rates-respectively 297 and 24 per 1,000-were above the decennial average. Infants died in the proportion of 15 to every 100 births, and 413 of the total deaths were those of children under five years of age. The zymotic death-rate was 3.3 per 1,000. Of the diseases of this class measles was by far the most fatal, accounting for 41 deaths out of a total of 156. Diphtheria, too, which was widespread in all London, was especially disastrous in this district, as compared with previous years, being credited with 21 deaths, against an average of 42. The mortality from the rest of the zymotic disorders was not so high as is customary. It is a significant fact that not a single case of typhus was reported. The entire absence of this disease was largely due, in Dr. Lovett's opinion, to the demolition which has taken place of late in the courts and alleys in Drury Lane, Little Coram Street, and Great Wild Street.

STOURPORT.-In his first annual report-that for 1881Dr. Masterman expresses his conviction that the dampness of the air, overcrowding, and personal uncleanliness, are the principal factors of disease in Stourport; the unwholesome habit the lower and lower-middle class have of almost universally sleeping in the flannels they have worn by day, being an especially active one.' To the humidity of the air Dr. Masterman largely ascribes the undue prevalence of Bright's disease, and to the same cause, coupled with the extensive use of hard cider, he attributes the frequency of rheumatism. The chief sanitary needs of the town, he states, appear to be drainage, the more general use of the Kidderminster water, efficient scavenging, better paths, and-rather as works of private benevolence than of the Board-a cottage hospital and public warm baths and wash-house. It is gratifying to learn, in Dr. Masterman's report for 1882, that considerable improvements have been effected in the scavenging system, and also in the surface drains, though ventilating-pipes are needed at several points, for it is futile to shut in sewer gas; it should be conveyed harmlessly away. The condition of the

Wolverhampton Canal, which passes through Stourport, is strongly condemned by Dr. Masterman, who contends that the section within the town limits should be examined, and, if necessary, thoroughly dredged, and that the many drain-pipes which open into it should be cut off, though he admits that, in the latter case, the canal is more sinned against than sinning.' In 1881 the birth-rate was 39'63, and the death-rate 1579; in 1882 these rates were respectively 3393 and 16:09. Enteric fever was introduced into the district in 1882, and scarlatina, of a mild yet dangerous type, was prevalent. The cases of enteric fever were found to have originated in a place called Wilden, and the source of the disease was traced to the polluted water of a well. In several instances, the fever was greatly helped by overcrowding of a most revolting nature. Two of the cases belonged to the series of secondary origin, and suggested to Dr. Masterman's mind very grave doubts as to the innoxiousness of sewage farms. The health officer thinks it probable that part of some cesspool soil, which had been shot into a field, was carried by the wind in fine dust and fell into the pails used for drinking-water, which were standing at the doors of some cottages adjoining the field. The cases of enteric fever generally pointed to the non-contagiousness of the disease, as not one of the attendants upon the sick was attacked by it.

STRATFORD-UPON-AVON COMBINATION (RURAL). — Perhaps the most interesting feature in Mr. Fosbroke's report for 1882 is his account of the outbreak of typhoid fever at Evesham, to which we referred at length on p. 259 of Vol. xiv. The epidemic of typhoid increased the rate of mortality, per 1,000, from zymotic diseases, in the district in which it took place, to II, as compared with 09 in the previous year. In Alcester, the corresponding rate, 14, was also higher than in 1881, owing to the extra fatality from measles. In Stratford, the rate was o'8, a trifle above that for 1881. The general death-rate, per 1,000, in each of the three districts, was, in Stratford, 131, in Alcester, 15.8, and in Evesham 13.3. Owing to the sub-registrars not having made any returns as to births, Mr. Fosbroke was unable to give the several birth-rates, and, what is still more important, particulars of infantile mortality. It is to be hoped that arrangements will be made to prevent so serious an omission in future reports. The usefulness of combining the reports upon the rural and urban districts under his charge, has long been pointed out by Mr. Fosbroke, but his authorities made no attempt during the year to bring about the desired result. The medical officer inveighs at some length on the evils arising from the defective drainage of the district.

STRETFORD.-The sanitary department of this district appears to have done its work well during 1883. Mr. Pettinger states that 'great improvement was made in flagging and sewering yards and passages,' and that the drainage of the township was, at the date of his report, nearly complete. Considerable attention was given to the question of water supply. In several cases well water was condemned, and the public water supply of the town sub. stituted. The birth-rate for the year was 28.65, and the death-rate 15.3 per 1,000 population. The deaths from zymotic diseases alone were equal to 1.45 per 1,000 persons living. Nearly 30 per cent. of the deaths were in children under 5 years of age.

STROUD UNION.-Both the water supply and the drainage system of this district still continue in the same unsatisfactory condition. In Mr. Partridge's report for 1883 we read that in one of the villages, Minchin Lampton, owing to the generosity of a resident, the old sewage was being improved and extended to the bottom of the town, but it is high time that the authority took the improvement of the water supply and the drainage of the whole district seriously in hand. The birth-rate for the year was 26.6, and the death-rate 15'9 per 1,000. The former rate was the lowest hitherto recorded, and so, with two exceptions, was the latter. Again, the percentage of deaths from zymotic diseases, 5.2, was more favourable

than in any previous year, 1879 excepted. The infantile mortality represented 109 per cent. of the total deaths. It is a matter for regret that 25 per cent. of these deaths should have been referred to 'unknown' causes.

SUNDERLAND (PORT).-Of the 9,010 ships which entered this port during 1883, 2, 101 were inspected, and of these 80 per cent. were found in a sanitary, and 19 per cent. in an insanitary, state. Some evil was still found to result from the storage of ships' stores in the forecastles; but, on the other hand, an improvement was noticeable in the sheathing of iron decks. The condition of vessels belonging to this country, of which those of Sunderland bore off the palm, was, in most instances, superior to that of the vessels of other nations, though Mr. Harris speaks in high terms of the manner in which the Danish and Dutch ships are kept. It says much for the officials of this authority that captains of vessels should give their assurance that their ships are more systematically visited in Sunderland than in any other port in England. Although only one case of infectious disease was found during the year on vessels entering the port, the question of hospital accommodation is one which demands immediate attention, the more so since, as Mr. Harris points out, the authority is entirely dependent upon the urban authority (which is itself sadly deficient in this respect) for the means of isolating persons arriving from sea with diseases of an infectious nature. Unfortunately, in consequence of the narrowness of the river, it does not appear practicable, without danger to the public at large, and interference with navigation, to establish a floating hospital. authority, however, seem to be alive to the importance of the subject, and have passed a resolution with a view to facilitate the provision of suitable accommodation for isolation.

The

WANDSWORTH.-It is satisfactory to find that the sanitary work carried out in this district annually increases in extent, but there are still several defects of great magnitude which it is of essential importance should be remedied, and to which attention is drawn in the annual report of the health officers for 1882. Among these more serious sanitary defects may be mentioned imperfect scavenging, inefficient sewer ventilation, and, chief of all, impure water supply. With regard to this last subject it chalk strata by means of artesian wells, since no amount is suggested that a supply should be obtained from the of filtration can completely remove the large quantity of organic impurity contained in the Thames water.' The vital statistics for the year under report were, with the exception of those for the period immediately preceding, the most favourable on record. The birth- and deathrates were respectively 35.69 and 17:48 per 1,000. This latter rate was 0.32 per 1,000 in excess of that for 1881, owing to a greater fatality from epidemic diseases, but 1.62 per 1,000 below the decennial average. The infantile mortality was equivalent to 137 deaths per 1,000 birthsa more favourable proportion than usual. The mortality in children under ten increased, however, during the year, representing 513 per cent. of all deaths, against an average of 497. The deaths from the seven principal zymotic diseases-615 in number, or 43 less than the average occasioned 15.9 per cent. of the total mortality, and 2'79 deaths per 1,000 population. Whooping-cough was the most fatal of these disorders, followed by scarlatina, diarrhoea, and measles. The deaths from whooping-cough, scarlatina, and measles were respectively 26, 5, and 23 above the average, but those from diarrhoea were 68 below the average. Diphtheria was particularly fatal in Putney, where it caused 29 deaths out of the 51 registered for the whole district.

WEST SUSSEX.-Dr. Kelly has treated the vital statistics of this district very exhaustively in his report for 1882. The year's history, however, presents nothing of extraordinary interest. The birth-rate, 30.9 per 1,000, differed scarcely at all from the rates recorded in previous years. As usual, there was an excess of male over female

accounts had been proved, and the Attorney-General did not object to them. Their lordships were of opinion, upon those accounts, that so far from the patentee having made any profit, he had sustained a loss, and they thought that they ought to advise Her Majesty to renew the patent. In the case of Spencer's patent, it was extended for seven years, and, following that precedent, their lordships would advise her Majesty to extend Bischof's patent for seven years.

ADULTERATION OF SWISS MILK. Messrs. J. C. Flack & Sons, of 484 Bethnal Green Road, appeared at Worship Street to a summons under the sixth section of the Adulteration

Act for

having sold an article of food, to wit condensed milk, containing only one quarter of the usual proportion of butter fat. Mr. Lapworth, a sanitary inspector of Bethnal Green parish, proved purchasing at the shop of the defendants a tin of condensed milk, which was submitted to the parochial analyst. His certificate was now put in, and declared that the condensed milk in question contained only one quarter of the usual proportion of butter fat, the original milk was reduced in bulk from 4'96 parts to one, and had 26'07 per cent. of cane sugar added. Originally it contained only 0.52 per cent. of butter fat.' It was mentioned that although proceedings in connection with condensed milk had been taken by authorities in country towns, this was the first action of the kind in London. The defence was that the defendants were relieved from liability under the Act by the 25th section, which said that such exception should take place if the article in question was of the same nature, substance, and quality as purchased by the seller; that he had no reason to believe it was otherwise, and that he sold it in the same state as supplied, and with a written warranty. There was upon a label pasted to the tin the following words: The company guarantees this to be simply pure milk obtained from cows fed in the valley of Switzerland.' It was contended that this warranty, which was affixed to the tin, was placed by the original merchants; but the defendants were unable to state the actual name of the company who supplied them, through their agent. The defendants also proved that the tins sold were not tampered with before being retailed. The defendants did not contest the analysis. Mr. Hannay said he was inclined to believe the label was not a warranty within the meaning of the Act, and the only protection for retailers would be to procure a written warranty from the firm from whom they obtained their supplies. In the present case, no one could say who 'the company' guaranteeing was. The Act certainly intended that some one should be liable in these cases, and although he did not think the defendants were morally guilty, they would have to bear the responsibility. He imposed a nominal penalty of Is., with 23s. costs. The defendants said they had stopped the sale of the brand in question.

THE ABSTRACTION OF CREAM FROM MILK. An important case to milk dealers was decided at the last Birmingham Quarter Sessions. Ernest Bomford, a farmer, appealed against a conviction by two of the Birmingham borough justices for abstracting from milk sold by him 20 per cent. of cream, and not disclosing the fact. The proceedings were taken under the third section of the Food and Drugs Adulteration Amendment Act, of 1875, which makes it illegal for any person to abstract any food or sell any article adulterated without making it known. The analysis of the sample taken by the inspector showed the amount of fat to be 2.39 per cent., and of solids, not fat, 9'01 per cent. The standard taken by the analyst as the basis of his calculations as to the purity or otherwise of milk was 3 per cent. for fat and 9 per cent. for other solids. The defence was that the milk was pure as it came from the cow when it was delivered to the railway people, and that the adulteration, if any, was effected during transit and between the time of the delivery of the milk to the railway authorities and its reaching Snow Hill Station at Birmingham, where the

sample was taken upon which the proceedings were based. It was therefore a matter beyond the appellant's knowledge, and as such impossible for him to disclose. It was also stated that the railway company would not allow the churns to be locked unless they had a duplicate key. The Assistant Recorder, in giving judgment, stated he had no doubt the cream had been abstracted from the milk, while he was satisfied that it could not have been done previous to the milk being sent to the railway. It would be unwarrantable to hold the appellant responsible for failing to disclose a fact of which he could not possibly have any knowledge, and he quasned the conviction, with costs. UNWHOLESOME FOOD.-TECHNICAL Defeat of

meat.

JUSTICE.

At the Darlington Borough Police Court, on the 24th ult., Richard Iddison, a butcher of Park Street, was charged by Mr. T. A. Atkinson, Nuisance Inspector of that borough, with exposing for sale a quantity of diseased The Inspector stated that on the 7th ult. Iddison had about 15 stones of meat, liver, kidneys, &c., which from its appearance he suspected to be unsound. Dr. Lawrence condemned the meat and had it destroyed. Mr. G. Maw, who appeared for the defence, took the objection that the appointment of Mr. Atkinson as Inspector of Nuisances had not been proved. The Bench dismissed the case, and a charge against J. Button, Park Street, was also dismissed on the same contention. This miscarriage of justice should be carefully noted by sanitary inspectors.

SMOKE ABATEMENT.

Messrs. Maybury, Marston, & Sharpe, hoop iron manufacturers, Brindle Heath, Pendleton, have been summoned to the Salford Police-court for permitting a smoke nuisance at their works, and fined 57. and costs.

THE TIPPING OF REFUSE.

Action against the Darwen Corporation. In the Chancery Court of Lancashire, at Manchester, before Vice-Chancellor Bristowe, George Walsh. The Mayor and Corporation of Over Darwen, in which plaintiff sought for an injunction to restrain the defendants from continuing the tipping of refuse on land adjoining his house, has been before the Court. One of the plaintiff's witnesses, Mr. Beevers, of Preston, having stated that the Corporation had made arrangements for bringing the refuse complained of into the ravine near plaintiff's house by an entrance furthest removed from it instead of passing it, which would abate the nuisance to a considerable extent, the Vice-Chancellor suggested whether an arrangement might not be made between the parties. It was ultimately arranged that the matter should stand over until October next, the Darwen Corporation in the meantime to desist from conveying refuse past the plaintiff's house, it being understood that this was to be done without prejudice as