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7
Removal Act. By the 8th section of that Act, any animal so kept as
to be a nuisance, and any accumulation which is a nuisance or
injurious to health are defined to be nuisances contemplated by the
Act, unless the accumulation be absolutely necessary for the carrying
on of a trade, and be not kept longer than is necessary for the
purposes of such trade.
It is in the power of the magistrate before whom a complaint
is made to order such works as may be necessary to prevent the recurrence
of the nuisance. Now, in my opinion, in order to prevent
the recurrence of nuisances arising from cow sheds in crowded
districts, it is necessary that the sheds be sufficiently capacious, well
ventilated, paved, drained, properly supplied with water, also furnished
with suitable receptacles for manure and fodder; it is also
requisite that the sheds and yards be well cleaned twice a day, and
the manure be removed frequently, and before eight o'clock in the
morning. It would probably be advisable in the first place to address
to all the cowkeepers a letter of advice somewhat to this effect:—
"Sir,
"The Vestry of this Parish having received constant complaints
of the condition of the cow-houses in this district, and believing that their
present state is very prejudicial to the health of the community, after consideration
of the subject have come to the conclusion that these establishments
require a very complete reform, and can only be tolerated in the district
under the following conditions: —"
Then should follow the regulations.
"If within a month from the receipt of this letter your premises
are not in a satisfactory state, it is the intention of the Vestry to take legal
proceedings against you."
It is no doubt to the interest of the cowkeepers if they wish to
remain in London to put their houses in order, as this is the only
chance they have of being tolerated. Some of them, conscious of this,
have formed an Association in self-defence. All who join it are required
to conform to the following regulations:
"To cause the houses, barns, sheds, or other buildings in which
the cattle are kept to be thoroughly cleansed every morning and
evening. To. do all in their power to remove any cause or pretext for
complaint being made, or objections raised to the keeping of cows in
London. To permit at any time any person sent by the Association
to visit their premises, and render every facility to such persons to
make a faithful report of the same. To avoid the accumulation of
manure, refuse, or any other matter which shall become a nuisance,
and submit to tho decision of a majority of members present at a
general meeting relative to the report of the visitor. To forfeit all
nterest in the funds of the Association on being a second time