View report page

they all sleep together on the ground, on a piece of matting, with
no covering whatever —and are in a state of absolute filthiness
beyond description. The place is 6 feet by 4, and 6½ feet in
height, —giving about one-fourth of the quantity of air requisite
for one person. It is alike a necessity and mercy for the adoption
of prompt steps for removing these poor creatures, from a place
in every respect unfitted for human habitation.
Complaint has been made to me of a nuisance, emanating from
Scutch in its conveyance from Messrs. Young's premises to the
water side. I have visited the Manufactory, and the Manager promised
to use every endeavour to prevent the effluvia, which will I
trust be effectual.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your faithful Servant,
JOHN CHALLICE, M.D.,
Officer of Health.
TO THE VESTRY OF BERMONDSEY.
June 18th, 1860.
Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen, —At half-past 10 o'clock A.M.
on the 12th inst. I visited the premises of Mr. Powell's, fish
Manure manufactory, I was attracted thereto by the peculiar offensive
odour, and suffocating vapour, produced by the combination of
concentrated sulphuric acid, commonly known as "Oil of Vitriol,"
with putrescent and decaying animal substances.
On approaching the building, where the process of mixing is
carried on, the stench was intolerable, although modified in some
degree by the burning of Tan outside the premises. From the
density of the vapour, and from other circumstances, I judged that
Acid had been just added to the fish refuse. There was a large
heap of putrid fish, probably a waggon load. —The effluvia arising
from it was sickening.
I have now, no hesitation in stating that these premises are a
nuisance, and that the business carried on cannot fail to corrupt