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the chief matter dealt with by the Railway Companies at
these sidings, no fish offal or other offensive obnoxious
matters being allowed. The whole subject is a very important
one, in regard to London, whose County Council
have strict Bye-laws (made under Section 16 of the Public
Health (London) Act, 1891), by which Vestries and District
Boards are required to have manure removed from their
Districts regularly and at short intervals, so that, whereas
formerly manure was allowed to remain distributed over
London for longer periods of time, now it has to be collected
at much shorter intervals, and removed out of London.
The result is that an outlet or outlets have to be provided,
and these are obtained (1) alongside the river, by which the
manure can be barged away; or (2) in connection with the
sidings of railway companies, along whose lines the manure
can be carried into the country. This particular business
is, therefore, an essential one, and provided due precaution
is taken to prevent accumulation, &c., and to minimise any
nuisance which may arise in connection therewith, I am
unable to advise any further action on behalf of the Vestry,
with a view to having such business stopped or interfered
with, always provided that the place or places where such
businesses are carried on are suitable and reasonably removed
from dwelling houses and crowded thoroughfares.
The Vestry must remember that whatever action be taken
before a Magistrate under the Public Health (London) Act,
there is an awkward proviso to be met, viz. : that the Court
is not to convict or enforce a penalty if it can be proved
that the accumulation or deposit has not been kept longer
than is necessary for the purpose of the business, and that
the best available or practical means have been taken for
preventing or counteracting any effluvia connected therewith
; or if it can be shown that the offender has reasonable