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12
OCCUPATIONS LIKELY TO PROVE INJURIOUS
TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH.
We have, fortunately, but few occupations carried on in Kensington
which may be classed with those recognised as injurious to public
health. We are not troubled by numerous large factories emitting
noxious vapours and thus poisoning our atmosphere; but from the
agricultural pursuits which are carried on, we have our manure heaps,
and consequent upon the great demand for houses, we have our brick
and clay burning.
In the large towns of France a sanitary code has been established by
which all occupations are divided into three classes.
The first contains those establishments which must be kept at a
distance from towns and private habitations. This list comprises 67.
Only 3 of these occupations are found in our parish.
I. The keeping of pigs.
II. Tallow Melting.
III. Slaughter-houses.
I. After my former Report to you on the subject, I need scarcely call
your attention to the keeping of pigs. You are aware that these animals
are still kept in large numbers in the Potteries; but from the more
stringent enactments which have been placed in your hands, and from
the recent decision of the magistrates, at the Police Court, we shall now
be able to grapple with this gigantic evil. I have in this as in all other
cases where your orders were likely to fall with much severity upon a
class that could ill bear any large sacrifice, recommended the most
lenient course that could rightly be adopted. From the special directions
of the Act of Parliament, from the numerous reports which have been
made to the Board of Health on this subject, and from the immense
mortality which I have shown you has been going on for many years,
you had, I consider, no discretionary power left to you.
The execution of your orders is now in progress, and will be eventually
carried into effect. I see no reason why this locality should not then
gradually become as healthy as any in the parish.
II. Tallow melting. We have one considerable candle manufactory,
situate in the High-street, opposite the Vestry Hall. The Tallow Melting
here has been more generally complained of by the inhabitants than any
other occupation in the parish. I have inspected the premises several
times, and have visited other establishments in London, where I was informed
all modern improvements had been applied to lessen the effluvia. I
have had the honor of giving you a special report on this subject in