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98
not without the assistance of the law: many of these
however will probably recur in consequence of a decision of
the sitting magistrate by which a large piggery (ejected
from a neighbouring parish) was permitted to be established
in the centre of the town. In consequence of the
unsatisfactory state of the law and the mode of its
administration, there are still some 36 separate piggeries in
different parts of the parish containing many of them from
30 to 50 pigs some upwards of 100, and collectively 1000 or
more. It is much to be regretted that a sanitary evil ot
such extent cannot be more effectually dealt with. Since the
year 1812 the keeping of swine within 40 yards of any street
or public place has been prohibited in Central London, (Act
of George III,cap. 29, sec. 68) and in all reason ought to be as
comprehensively disposed of in the suburbs, some of which
are equally populous, subject to similar conditions and
presenting the same necessity therefore for sanitary provision
(see Reports for 1878, 1880 and 1883). All the cow-sheds
slaughter-houses, and bakehouses were as usual examined
and reported on previous to a renewal of their owners'
licenses, and were all found in a satisfactory condition.
In common with the other parts of the District strenuous
efforts have been made and are being promoted for the purpose
presenting a well prepared sanitary defence against the
probable advent of Cholera in this Country; and the
extensive improvements effected during the past year in the
dwellings of the labouring population, with the large
number of improved dwellings that have been erected for
that class of the community, the systematic house to house
inspection and removal of nuisances, justly presuppose the
accomplishment of a very great amelioration in the sanitary
condition of this Sub-district, the satisfactory state of the
health of which has been already recorded in this Report.
GEORGE EDWARD NICHOLAS, m.d.
Medical Officer of Health for Wandsworth.
MAY 28, 1883.