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labour and the increased cost of both. Following the war these conditions continued
to operate and steadily the numbers have gone down until now, as indicated
above, only one remains, the reason for its continued existence being largely
to meet a demand for milk straight from the cow by members of the Jewish faith,
many of whom reside in the neighbourhood. That it was fortunate that the conditions
compelled discontinuance of the other sheds cannot be denied. In a
Borough such as St. Marylebone there are few situations which can be regarded
as anything like suitable for cowsheds. Though it may be admitted that the cow
in the town shed is as a rule much cleaner, much better groomed, probably much
better looked after than many of her sisters in the country, it cannot be regarded
as fair or just to her that she should be shut up continuously for so long as she
will give a satisfactory quantity of milk, in a place that, if just sufficiently
ventilated and lighted, is no more than sufficiently so and in which no more space
is given her than will permit of her standing up and lying down. Even if she
does provide for the people a milk that is rather fresher than that generally provided
in a town, from her point of 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 automatically.
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.
All these places were regularly and frequently visited during the year. In
no case was objection raised to the renewal of licence after receipt of notice from
the County Council that application for renewal had been made.
Four notices were received from butchers with regard to slaughtering under
the Public Health (Meat) Regulations, 1924, and humane-killers in accordance
with the requirements of the L.C.C. bye-laws are being used in every case, and
apparently with complete success.
Offensive Trades.—There are only two premises within the Borough upon
which trades classed as offensive are carried on. The business in each case is that
of tripe boiling.
The Food Inspector made 63 visits, but no cause of complaint was found.
Ice Cream Premises.—The number of such premises in the Borough on the
Register is 118. As indicating the growing popularity of this article it may be
noted that in 1919 the number registered was 96.