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21
THE LAWS DELAYS.
A more summary method of procedure is eminently needed
in sanitary cases No proceedings can be initiated until they
have been authorised by the Local authority. Summonses are
never made returnable in less than a week after being granted,
however dangerous to health the nuisance may be. An unreasonable
amount of time is generally allowed for the abatement of
nuisances, even in cases capable of immediate remedy. Difficulties
are sometimes experienced in serving notices upon the proper
parties, and if a defendant proves recalcitrant, the same weary
round of proceedings may have to be re-commenced. And suppose
cumulative penalties are incurred by default, the Magistrates
rarely inflict more than a nominal fine. In no case can they be
induced to inflict the diurnal penalty unless proof is forthcoming
by daily inspection of the continuance of the nuisance, although
it is often most difficult to obtain entrance on the premises in
such cases, and although at intervals, when entrance is obtained,
the nuisance is found to be unabated. The country is not yet
in earnest about Sanitary Reform, or such a state of things would
not be tolerated by which a penurious owner of property may
expose the lives of his tenants to grave danger, and materially
interfere with their comfort and convenience for long periods, if not
with entire impunity, at least at the risk of a mere nominal fine.
LICENSED SLAUGHTER HOUSES.
The Licensed Slaughter Houses are 54 in number, viz., 32 in the
North Sanitary District and 22 in the South. They have been inspected
as regularly as circumstances would allow. As usual, at the
annual inspection in the month of September, I found the drainage
of very many in an unsatisfactory condition. There were other
sanitary defects also in a considerable number—recurring defects
which year after year have been made the subject of report. From
the fact that few if any of the Slaughter Houses have been specially
constructed, the general unsuitability and deficiencies of the premises
need not excite surprise: but considering the powers lodged in
the hands of the Local Authority to oppose the renewal of
Licenses, and the value which the butchers appear to attach to the
Slaughter Houses, it is remarkable that more attention is not
bestowed upon their condition.
By direction of your Vestry the renewal of the license was
opposed in nearly half the applications pending the completion
of sanitary amendments for which orders had been issued.
Three Licenses were refused altogether, viz.:—one in the
Brompton Road, for premises which were simply an underground
cellar, stable, kennel, and sausage manufactory combined; one in
Talbot Mews, which was in the occupation of a draper, who was