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Board were not complied with, applications were made to the Police
Magistrates, who made orders for the prompt abatement of the nuisances
complained of. Friendly applications led in several cases to the abatement
of nuisances that were not brought to the knowledge of your
Board.
Dung and Cow Yards.
During the past summer many dung-yards and cow-sheds were greatly
complained of by persons living in contiguity with them. Few however
became complainants, from an apprehension of giving offence to the
owners, with whom they were living on neighbourly terms. It was
generally intimated that, as ratepayers, they considered they ought to
have these nuisances abated, through the interference of the officers of
the Board, without any complaints on their part.
Offensive Ponds.
During the last summer the following ponds were found to be very
offensive, and very greatly complained of:—The Cock Pond, the Building
Pond, Harford's Pond, the Island Pond, the Eagle Pond, and the
Long Pond. Accompanied by your Inspector, I took the depth and
surface measure of each, also the approximate amount of deposit
in each, and ascertained the time since they were cleansed. The
details of these inspections were furnished in my weekly reports at
the time I made them. There were three other ponds reported
on, but which have since been cleaned out, and an immense amount
of animal and vegetable deposit removed. Another pond, in the
vicinity of the Convent School, Clapham Common, I also examined
and reported on. Several of the immediate inhabitants have been for a
long time very desirous of getting this pond cleansed; but the proprietor,
for some unexplained reason, strongly objects to its being done.
It was stated to me, by the agent of one lady in the neighbourhood,
that she was obliged to leave her residence during a part of last summer,
owing to the noxious emanations from this pond and their effects on
herself and family. Apprehensive, however, of giving offence to her
neighbour,, she prefers leaving the nuisance to be dealt with by the
Board rather than become herself a complainant.
In conclusion, I beg to observe that, knowing some of my able colleagues
intend, in their respective reports, to enter fully into the subject
of water supply, ventilation, drainage, &c., I have considered it less
necessary to extend my own, by discussing those matters at any greater
length than I have done.
I am, Gentlemen,
Yours most obediently,
JOHN McDONOGH,
Medical Officer of Health for Clapham.