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previous notice having been given us as promised. On June 12th
1876, I reported the existence of an offensive nuisance on these
premises. The business then consisted of mixing fish heads and
refuse shumac together in a shed or in the open air. It was a constant
nuisance in hot weather, whenever the intervention of Sunday,
or a Public Holiday, or accidental circumstances, delayed the
collection or removal of the stale and often putrid fish. The
mixing was afterwards conducted in a closed chamber, the effluvia
from which passed through a fire in the room above. With proper
precautions as to cleanliness, the avoidance of any considerable
accumulation of offensive matters, and due attention to the fire,
the business might have been tolerated, but nothing could make it
desirable in this crowded neighbourhood. The chamber in question
was allowed to become filthy in the extreme—dirty, damp and
stinking, and swarming with tens of thousands of flies. I have
directed this place to be cleansed, fumigated, and lime washed.
Recently a monstrous iron cylinder, capable of holding two tons of
fish, hits been erected in an adjoining part of the premises. It is
proposed to turn an apparatus inside this cylinder which is fixed
over hot air pipes, until the contents are thoroughly dried. In my
opinion the arrangements adopted for consuming the vapour which
must arise from the putrid fish are unsuitable and inadequate I
would suggest that the Vestry should request the Metropolitan
Board not to sanction a business of this kind in this populous although
poor district. I may say that two years ago I distinctly warned
Mr. Higgins's in the presence of Mr. Thomas the Inspector, that
any outlay or expense he might incur would be at his own risk,
and would not in any way influence my opinion or action in the
event of any public nuisance being caused by the business.
Shortly after the last meeting of the board I visited the Vestry
Wharf. From the quantity of material on the premises, and from
its condition, I conclude some circumstances had interfered with and
delayed the regular course of removal.
I went again last week and noticed a decided improvement.
No nuisance therefrom was perceptible pff the premises. In the
seven houses which overlook the wharf I counted twenty-four windows,
of which sixteen were open, two or three in every house. I
made inquiries at all these houses. Some of the inmates have
resided there seven years. With the exception of scarlet fever in
one house shortly before last Christmas, there did not appear to