The Express. — 1853-11-04 (London, England)

METROPOLIS. From returns made be the superintendents of police of the D, E, 0, li, L, M and P Divisions it appears that between the 28th October and the Ist instant there had occurred in those districts 18 cases of cholera, eight of which terminated fatally. One person was found dead in his room in Gee 'e-court, and en inquest being held, a verdict was returned of " died of spasmodic cholera." The return also contains among the nine fatal cases many after very short illness. There was also a case of death from cholera in Little Marlborough-street on 2nd inst. A case of cholera which occurred on Monday last at 15, Ashby-street, St. Pancras, is the second (independently of several of diarrhoea) within four days in the same house. Mr. Sutherin, the medical officer of Itho district, reported this house, as well as several others in the same street, a fortnight ago as in a most filthy, unwholesome state. Mr. Sutherin regards it as one of the black spots in his district. At the present time there is scarcely a house on the same side of the street as No. 15 in which cases of small-pox, scarlotir,a, or fever are not existing. One of the inmates of the room where the cholera ease has occurred had small-pox about six weeks ago; while two other cases of the same frightful malady took place in the room above. To permit such a place to be occupied in its present state is little short of homicide. The parochial authorities of Westminster have, ever since 1849, been carrying out with great activity the sanitary improvement of their parish. During the present year, 579 cesspools have been emptied, 158 fuul drains cleansed, 6, houses limewashed, 103 piggeries and 33 rubbish heaps removed. The cleansing of the streets has likewise been diligently attended to, ands supply of water has been provided to numerous housee, previously without any. The parish has already experienced the pecuniary benefit of these judicious measures in the abatement of sickness, and the consequent diminution of pauper relief. There is, perhaps, no part of the metropolis in which, of recent years, so large an amount of the worst description of low house property has been got rid of as in Westminster. The construction of Victoria-street has effected the demolition of some of the vilest tenements in London ; but while it is pleasing to know that such plague spots are removed, the serious question suggests itself, what has become of all the poor population who have been thrust out of their miserable abodes? The parochial authorities have now a favourable opportunity of effecting a most important social imiprovement, by availing themselves of the powers which, in common with other parishes throughoot the kingdom, they possess under Lord Shaftesbury's Act of 1851, to erect suitable dwellings f.r the labouring and poorer classes. The measure, if judiciously carried out, has been shown to be remunerative, and would eventually prove a source of profit is a variety of ways to the parish. Dr. Milroy had an interview on the 2nd instant, with the board of guardians of HempMewl. The board unanimously passed a resolution appointing Mr. Lord, the parochial medical officer, es the responsible sanitary inspector and health officer of the parish, so that a thorough and systematic examination may be made of every locality where any sort of nuisance exists. Numerous complaints of private and local nuisances are being daily addressed to the General Board of Health. In all such cases the first step that should be taken is to bring the case without delay to the knowledge of the parochial medical officer of the district. Should there be any unnecessary default or delay in dealing with it, a detailed statement of particulars might then be sent to the General Board.