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124
Possibilities of Nuisance.—Nuisances may arise in this business
from:—
1. The astringent alum solution.
2. The fleshings.
3. The sawdust used in the tubbing of the skins.
4. Unsuitable premises.
1. The astringent solution may be kept so long as to become
putrid. This is especially the case during the warmer months of
the year ; and when the tubs containing such a solution are emptied,
it causes a very offensive smell on the premises and in its neighbourhood,
which will persist for some time.
2. The fleshings, if kept too long on the premises and improperly
dealt with, may by their decomposition cause a foul odour to pervade
the works and neighbourhood.
3. The sawdust, if kept too long on the premises, will create
a nuisance from the decomposition of organic matter contained
in it. This is especially the case if the sawdust, after being kept
some time, is disturbed by shovelling it into carts or other receptacles
on its removal from the premises. The sawdust gives rise
to nuisance when it is burnt, as sometimes happens, in furnaces
or fires on the premises ; and frequently, when this destruction
is effected, opportunity is taken to burn the fleshings at the same
time, mixed with the sawdust. This, of course, intensifies the
nuisance. There is a great temptation to dispose of the sawdust and
fleshings in this way, as by so doing, the expense of removal is saved.
4. Usually, the first intimation I receive that a fur skin dresser
has established his business in the Borough is from some complaint
of neighbours, of the foul smell at times caused by the business.
It is then found, that the business is conducted without any precautions
being taken to prevent nuisance, in premises totally unfit
for the purpose. Mostly, some old house is taken, or some old
workshop, too dilapidated to be used for any other purpose.