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The Public Analyst has reported that, after careful examination of the cider, he
found it to contain " distinct traces of copper but only a most infinitesimal trace of
lead, an amount so small as to be only just detected by the most delicate test for that
metal. Neither the copper nor the infinitesimal trace of lead present is sufficient to
render the cider injurious to health. Traces of salicilic acid were present."
In this connection, another possible source of lead poisoning is beer which is left
standing over night in the lead pipe leading from the cellar to the counter. At least
one case is known where an early customer, in the habit of receiving the first glass
drawn in the morning, contracted lead poisoning. The habits of this patient, however,
would not render this source probable, since the public-house is opened at 5 a.m., and
he never arrived until 7 a.m. The publican informs me in addition that the first glass
drawn is always thrown away, since it is liable to taste and smell bad. The patient is
recovering."
lII.—SANITARY ADMINISTRATION.
In Table XIV. of Appendix will be found particulars of the general sanitary work for
1903, and in Table VII. the numbers of premises on the register, to which special attention
has been paid, such as milkshops, etc. Looking at the first of these two tables it will
be seen that house-to-house inspection has been vigorous, as the number of inspections of this
kind was 5,415 against 4,532 in 1902. The Public Health Committee have always insisted, and
I think very properly, that special attention should be paid to house-to-house inspection. It is
the only way to ensure that all premises in the Borough receive attention.
Table XIV. shows, also, an increase of 4,000 in the re-inspections, and a large increase in
the number of intimation and statutory notices, the figures for 1902 being—lntimations 3,430,
statutories 1,057 ; and for 1903—Intimations 4,251, statutories 1,314,
Offensive Trades.
The same number of offensive trades, viz., 13, are on the register as in 1902. 58 inspections
were made, and 7 notices served. No prosecutions were necessary, as the defects were mostly of
a minor nature, and the nuisance readily abated.
One prosecution for the removal of offensive matter, however, was in connection with one
of the offensive trades.
The number of inspections given above does not include a number of independent
inspections by myself.
Offensive Matter.
Four summonses were taken out under the London County Council bye-laws for the
removal of offensive matter during prohibited hours, or in improperly covered receptacles. Two
were taken out against the owners, two against the carmen. Conviction being obtained against
the owners, the summonses against the carmen were withdrawn on payment of costs.
Milk Premises.
There were 265 milk premises on the register in 1902, and in 1903, 21 were added,
making a total of 286. The number of inspections was 325, and 26 notices were served. On
the receipt of a request to place a shop on the register, it is first inspected to see if it is suitable
for selling milk.
Cowsheds.
There are 7 cowsheds in the Borough, the same number as in 1901 and 1902. 31
inspections were made and 1 notice served.
Slaughter-houses,
There were 5 slaughter-houses in the Borough at the end of 1902, and 2 were removed
from the register during 1903, so that at the end of that year there were only 3. 23 inspections
were made and 3 notices served.
Ice Cream Premises.
There are 68 premises where ice cream is manufactured in the Borough. The owners of
these premises are mostly of Italian nationality. 218 inspections of these premises were made,
and 31 notices served. Owing to the London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1902,
which came into force in November of that year, special attention was paid to these premises
during the early part of 1903 by myself and the Chief Inspector.
We visited all the places where this commodity is made, and had such structural
alterations made as were necessary to bring them into conformity with this Act. On the whole
we had little trouble in getting the owners of these premises to do what was required.
I think, however, some regulations such as were made by the Corporation of London for
the manufacture of ice creams could be adopted in this Borough with advantage.
The section of the London County Council (General Powers) Act, relating to these
premises, as well as the regulations made by the Corporation of London, will be found in full in
my last annual report.
Houses let in Lodgings.
In 1902 there were 206 " houses let in lodgings " on the register, and during 1903, 2 more
were added and 1 taken off, making a total of 207 on the register at the end of the year. The
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