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8
In opposition to the statements of the Butcher's Trade Society, the
following facts are well-known:—
In Edinburgh, which, since the year 1851, has had no
private Slaughter-houses, and only one public Abattoir, it is
stated on excellent authority, that the system is found to be
very advantageous to trade, and a great boon to both butchers
and consumers. The poor are benefited by the abolition of a
nuisance, the sale of less unsound food, and the cheapening
of the meat supply in consequence of all butchers competing
on an equal footing.
In Cardiff the system has worked well, and a large source
of profit arising from the sale of the flesh of diseased animals
has been abolished.
In Glasgow, where three public Slaughter-houses were
established in 1850 and private Slaughter-houses abolished,
no inconvenience resulted or has since resulted; the price of
meat was not affected by the change; less of unsound food is
now sold; and the result has been satisfactory to both
butchers and consumers.
In Paris the abolition of private Slaughter-houses did not
enhance the price of meat; whilst in Berlin the price of meat
has been lessened by a similar change of system.
It appears to be assumed that the passing of the Bill in question
would leave matters as they are now; but this is, I believe, a mistake.
At present the Statute of 1844 prevents the opening of new Slaughterhouses,
except where these are situated at a distance of at least
40 feet from a public way, and 50 feet from a dwelling-house ; and
in addition the Magistrate's license is required. Were the Statute
of 1844 repealed, as the Bill proposes, nothing but the Magistrate's
license would be required, and there would be nothing to prevent
Slaughter-houses springing up everywhere in close proximity to
dwellings.
I would remind the Vestry that odd views are sometimes entertained
as to the kind of place fitted for the slaughter of animals for
food. The Sanitary Committee has been asked more than once
during the last three years to sanction the use of cellars, beneath
dwelling-houses in crowded localities, as Slaughter-houses; and one
enterprising individual seemed surprised that a photographer's hut,
with access only through a dwelling in close preximity, and up a set
of wooden steps, was not deemed suitable for the purpose.
Since the above was written the Bill has been withdrawn and
referred to a Select Committee.
COW-HOUSES.
At the October Petty Sessions, held at the Vestry Hall in October
last year, 82 applications for licenses to keep cows were made.
Of these 10 were refused—
5 owing to infringements of previous licenses.