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view, as well as from the point of view of the individuals in the neighbourhood of
the shed who have to bear with the nuisance that must from time to time, at least,
arise, the justification must appear inadequate. The system in regard to
registration of cowsheds in the Borough is the same as that throughout London.
The London County Council is the licensing authority and the Borough Council
have the right to object to the renewal of licence before the court at which this is
considered. In the absence of any objection on the part of the Borough Council
the London County Council apparently grant renewal. In the case of the sheds in
St. Marylebone, at least, this would appear to be the course usually adopted, no
licence having been refused for many years. During the year regular and frequent
visits of inspection were made and attention directed at the time to any matters that
seemed to require it. The need for serving notices did not arise.
Milk Premises.—The number of premises upon which milk is sold is 183.
This is the same number as in 1918, 6 having been added and 6 removed, but less
than in 1914 when there was 237.
During the war the number of applications for registration were few and since
then, partly no doubt due to the passing of the milk trade in London into the hands
of a combine, there have been few or none. Most of the applications received and
considered by the Committee relate merely to changes of occupier. Even in these
cases a thorough examination of the premises is made and any alterations regarded
as necessary insisted upon before registration is granted.
Thanks to the provisions in the London County Council (General Powers) Act
1908, which empowered the Council not only to refuse registration in cases in which
premises were considered unsuitable, but to withdraw registration if a place became
unsuitable, e.g., on account of any other business carried on along with milk selling,
conditions in most of the milk premises are not too unsatisfactory. This, despite the
fact that nearly all the premises are run on the lines of what are called "general
shops." The articles sold along with the milk are in the main more or less ordinary
"provisions," bread, flour, butter, eggs and such like. Prior to the coming into operation
of the act referred to, less objectionable articles—paraffin, fish and firewood for
example—were occasionally sold over the same counter as milk, but when the new
powers were granted the Public Health Committee made a determined effort to bring
about improvements and succeeded. In a few cases only was appeal made to a
magistrate against refusal to register or a withdrawal of registration, and in all the
result was that the decision of the Committee was upheld. The last occasion on
which action was taken was in 1914, when a vendor was fined for continuing to retail
milk, not only after the Committee had removed his name from the register, but the
court had dismissed his appeal against the Committee's decision.
Slaughter Houses.—In a general way much of what was said with regard to
cowsheds applies in the case of slaughter houses. Very steadily, not only has the
number of licensed premises diminished, but also the number of premises actually
used even though licensed. The amount of slaughtering done in the premises
licensed and used for slaughtering has also been greatly reduced.
The total number licensed is shown in the list below in which is indicated the
situation and the conditions, if any, under which licence was granted.
Premises. Conditions.
50, Henry Street, St. John's Wood Small cattle only.
134, High Street, St. John's Wood On the clear and distinct understanding
that the room over
the slaughter house is not used
as a living room.
32a, Union Street, Middlesex Hospital Nil.