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32
REPORT OF THE MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH, ETC.
likely to recur. Where a nuisance has been proved to exist, a fine of from
£2 to £5 is inflicted; upon a second conviction, of £10; and double the
sum each succeeding time. A nuisance need not be injurious to health: if
there be only "smells offensive to the senses, that is enough, as the neighbourhood
has a right to fresh and pure air." " It is not necessary that a
smell be unwholesome, if it renders the enjoyment of life and property uncomfortable."
"It is also immaterial how long the nuisance may have prevailed,
for no length of time will legitimate a nuisance." (The law has thus been
laid down by judges in actions.)
In over-crowding of houses, an order is to be made for its abatement, with
a fine of £2.
Any article of food unfit for food shall be seized or so disposed of as to
prevent its being exposed for sale, or used as food, with a penalty of £10.
The magistrate may order the provision of sufficient privy accommodation,
means of drainage, or ventilation, or the making safe and habitable, or the
paving, cleansing, whitewashing, or purifying premises which are a nuisance
or injurious to health.
Nothing can be more in accordance with reason and justice than these
laws. No answer can be given to the question, why the poorer classes
should be obliged to live where all or most of them are disregarded. That
they are obliged follows from the fact, that they cannot at present do
otherwise.
In conclusion, I must express my thanks to the Vestry and their energetic
officers, for the kindness and urbanity which I have experienced at their
hands during the past year, and my hope that the same may continue.
J. T. PICKBURN, PRINTER, 35, ROSO.MAX-STREET, CLERKEN WELL.