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57
considerable surprise, and accordingly a request was made for
definite particulars as to the complainants and the nature of their
complaint. The County Council at the same time alleged that
the business carried on at the Oleo Works was the business of a
Tallow Melter, and accordingly this business, having been
established since the passing of the Public Health (London) Act,
was being illegally carried on, as that Act entirely prohibits the
establishment of the business of a Tallow Melter within the
County of London. After the expiration of some six months,
during which time nothing was heard from the County Council on
the matter, this Council was supplied with information obtained
by one of the County Council Inspectors, alleging that certain
people had complained to him in the course of his investigations
during the summer of the offence occasioned by these works.
There seemed to be some misapprehension on this matter, for
during the summer these premises had continued to receive our
special observation, and on no single occasion had there been the
slightest cause for complaint. It was thought advisable to see
the persons who it was alleged had complained to the County
Council's Inspector; they were interviewed, and in no case was
the allegation substantiated, in fact, more than one of the persons
mentioned definitely denied having complained of the premises
indicated.
In view of the further allegation that the business carried on
was that of a Tallow Melter, I had in the meantime been making
myself thoroughly acquainted with the whole facts of the case,
and had also visited the premises of other recognised and
authorised Tallow Melters, and also visited the premises of
certain Tallow Melters and Soap Manufacturers situated outside