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of bringing this matter forward, they have not in any case been able to
substantiate their statements, or to fix the Board or its staff with any specific
charge of neglect which would bear the slightest investigation. Indeed,
it is hardly right to be content with leaving the matter without further
remark, because, when it was alleged in a particular case that a quantity of
unsound meat had been purchased in the Holborn district and condemned
in another district—in other words, when a distinct and specific case was
placed before the Committee, and the necessary evidence was asked for
to substantiate the case before the Courts—it was not forthcoming;
consequently, the legal proceedings which were in contemplation could
not be followed up, because, for want of evidence, the complaint appeared
not to be well founded.
This subject has been attended to with care, and the attention of the
Board has been specially directed to it because of its importance to the
public generally. In order, however, that the ratepayers of the district
may be satisfied that the Board is doing its duty in this direction, it may
be as well to mention in no one instance, to the knowledge of the
Board, have any of the assertions—made, apparently, without due regard
to facts or circumstances—been borne out when details have been challenged
as to their accuracy, or investigated with a view of founding a prosecution
upon them.
The sale of meat in the district, and in particular that part of the district
immediately referred to here, will doubtless occupy, for some little time,
the attention of the Board.
In October last a notification was directed to the Board, which had
not been properly communicated to it, as it should have been by the
intended occupiers, of the intention to occupy certain premises in Charles
Street, Hatton Garden, as a Shelter, by what is known as the Social Wing
of the Salvation Army, the responsible person being Mr. William Booth,
commonly known as " General Booth." On inspection it was discovered
that the building, consisting of five floors, was fitted with beds or bunks,
in most cases in fours, one above the other. The Committee were informed
it was proposed to accommodate 400 men of the lowest class every night.
The sanitary conveniences had all been fixed prior to this inspection, and
without any notice to the Sanitary Authority, as required by the London
County Council Bye-Laws. The water-closets in the basement were all
condemned, and a sanitary order served for the Bye-Laws of the Council to
be observed. Mr. Booth thought it wise to appeal from the order of
this Board. The appeal was argued by Counsel and evidence called in