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19
Another great source of the unhealthiness of large
towns, consists in building long uninterrupted lines of
houses and squares, in a way utterly regardless of the
principles and influence of ventilation, the surrounding
air being completely enclosed, and often hopelessly
stagnant. Public institutions and large hospitals are
very often unhealthy and dangerous to patients, from
this cause. The London Hospital is an example of this
system, and the mischief has been increased by the
position of the new wing. Such buildings should be
built in detached portions.
Diseased Food and Adulteration.
Several cases of dealing in unsound or diseased meat
intended for human consumption have been discovered
and the meat destroyed under the supervision of the
Inspectors. In one instance the offender was also
convicted in a penalty. There is no doubt much of this
traffic going forward, but it is difficult to detect, owing
to every means of deception and secrecy being practised.
In addition to being a cruel robbery of the poor, it is a
source of much illness among them, and the Vestry
should insist upon the evil being suppressed to the
utmost possible extent.
Adulteration of food, though it may not be so directly
injurious to health as diseased meat, still from the large
scale upon which it is practised, must, in many instances,
be seriously prejudicial. Local Boards have not yet
adopted any definite system in regard to its prevention.
To deal effectually with the subject would require considerable
time and a somewhat elaborate machinery.
I believe adulteration of food is much encouraged by
the excessive demand for all articles included under the
name of "luxuries," and to supply them in a pure state