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11
Inspection of Houses.
The number of inhabited houses in this sub-district amount to 3,000.
By reference to Table V., Appendix, it will be seen that 870 examinations
of houses were duly made by the Medical Officer, Inspector of
Nuisances, and Surveyor, and that a large number of sanitary improvements
were executed in the past year, which the table for brevity sake
is meant to show. Some of these houses were examined several times.
Offensive Trades, Slaughter-houses, &c.
I am happy to state that from offensive trades we are almost free.
On one occasion, I had to inspect a cat or sheep-gut manufactory, in which
I was given to understand that sheep-gut was the substance prepared
for the strings of harps and other musical instruments. The proprietor
kindly promised to comply with my instructions, and remove promptly
all offensive matter to a distance from his dwelling.
Twenty-three slaughter-houses were duly licensed, and one was
opposed, owing to a non-compliance on the part of the owner with the
necessary requirements. 69 examinations were made of the above-named.
No complaints were made to me in the past year with regard to the
sausage manufactories; but they ought, I think, to undergo occasional
inspection, in order that they be kept in a wholesome condition.
Removal of Nuisances.
During the past year, 222 complaints were entered in the Complaint
Book, all of which were attended to and remedied through friendly
applications, except in seven cases, in which the orders of your Board
were not complied with. In these cases, applications were made to the
Police Magistrates, who gave orders for the abatement of the nuisances
complained of. In the course of the year I had a great many complaints
made to me of pig nuisances, dung heaps, cow sheds, and non-removal of
dust, also of overcharged cesspools ; but friendly interviews led to the
removal of many of them, without bringing them to the knowledge of
your Board. I beg most respectfully to suggest that the greatest vigilance
should be continued in respect to all these matters. This appears to me
to be of vital importance, considering the density of our population,
19,000, and our limited area of 1,233 statute acres.
Offensive Ponds.
Great exertions have been made, and considerable expense incurred,
both by your Board and private persons, in remedying these nuisances;
yet a great deal remains to be done. During the last summer, and
those of 1856 and 1857, many complaints were made to me of the
filthy condition of the cock pond, the building pond, and the Harford
pond, Clapham Common; also of a pond on private property, in the
vicinity of Mrs. Wyld's residence and of the Convent School. I have
frequently examined these ponds, and reported on them to your Board,