London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Shoreditch 1901
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Shoreditch]
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taken to get rid of these troublesome rodents. On 138 premises leakages in the water
pipes required attention. Urinals were constructed, cleansed or repaired, in connection
with 31 premises. Fifty-four foul accumulations were removed in accordance with
the directions of the sanitary officers.
On 19 premises animals were found not properly stabled ; on 21 premises the
stables required to be properly paved, and in 14 instances it was necessary for
properly constructed dung receptacles to be provided. In all cases the necessary steps
were taken to guard against nuisance. The bye-laws in force under the Public
Health (London) Act, 1891, for the prevention of keeping of animals on any premises in
such place or manner as to be a nuisance, or injurious or dangerous to health, require
that all dung, manure, and other offensive matters shall be deposited in a suitable
receptacle ; that the building or premises shall be efficiently drained by a properly
constructed drain, so that all urine and liquid filth or refuse may be effectually carried
away ; and that any drinking water likely to be used by man shall be secured against
possible pollution. It is also requisite, wherever it may be necessary, to prevent a
nuisance arising through the keeping of any horse or other beast of draught or burden,
or any cattle on any premises, that the floor of the stable in which such animal is kept
shall be impervious to liquid matter. The floor must be paved with a hard and
impervious pavement, so laid as to effectually carry off all liquid matters to the
properly trapped inlet of a drain.
The major portion of the sanitary work was carried out on the service of written
intimations. Difficulties and delays in the execution of the works required were,
however, frequently experienced, and in many instances it was necessary to report the
cases to the Health Committee. By order of the Sanitary Authority, 213 notices
under the Public Health (London) Act, 1891, were served upon persons responsible for
the abatement of nuisances. Of these 14 related to workshops. For non-compliance
with statutory notices it was necessary to take Police Court proceedings as set out
below:—
LEGAL PROCEED1NGS.
The premises in respect to which proceedings were taken, together with the
result of the same, are contained in the subjoined list:—
The premises in respect to which proceedings were taken, together with the result of the same, are contained in the subjoined list:-
| Premises. | Result of Proceedings. |
|---|---|
| Brunswick Street, No. 10 | Summons withdrawn, work done. |
| Brunswick Street, Nos. 85 and 87 | Order for work to be done, no costs. |
| Brunswick Street, No. 95 | Order for work to be done, 6/- costs. |
| Grange Street, No. 74 | Order for work to be done, costs. |
| Holborn Union Workhouse | One summons dismissed, others withdrawn, no costs. |
| New Norfolk Street, No. 3½ | Order to prevent recurrent nuisance, 6/- costs. |
| Old Street, No. 318 | Closing order. |
| Shap Street, Nos. 44 to 54 | Order for work to be done, no costs. |
| York Street, No. 31 | Order for work to be done £1 1s. costs. |