View report page

132
that the regulations should be uniform for the whole Metropolis, the
Vestry would suggest that the power of framing regulations should
continue to be vested in the Metropolitan Board of Works, the regulations
so framed, however, to be subject to confirmation by the Local
Government Board, the same as regulations framed by the Board under
the Slaughter Houses (Metropolis) Act, 1874.
"The Vestry feeling strongly the desirability of the above proposed
modifications iu the Bill, earnestly commend them to your Lordship's
favourable consideration.
"I have the honor, &c.,"
A similar letter was addressed to the President of the Local
Government Board.
A copy of the letter was forwarded to each of the Vestries
and District Boards of Works, together with a communication
calling their attention to the subject, and suggesting the desirability
of their taking immediate action in a similar direction,
a course adopted without delay iu many instances.
I forwarded a copy of the letter to the junior Member for the
Borough, requesting his support of the views of your Vestry,
and he promised to "look into the matter." I also drew
the attention of the Society of Medical Officers of Health to
the subject, with the result that the Secretaries were instructed
to communicate with the Lord President ard with the President
of the Local Government Board, urging a modification of the
Bill in the direction indicated in the above letter. Lastly, I
addressed a communication to the Secretary of the Veterinary
Department of the Privy Council, and subsequently had an
interview with him, at which I explained the grounds on which
it appeared desirable that the inspection, &c., of Dairies, Cowsheds,
and Milk-shops should be entrusted to the Vestries, &c.,
being Sanitary authorities, as "Local authorities" under the
Act. More could not be done, and the result of the effort
remains to be seen. At present (August 20) the Bill is set
down for second reading, whether in its original state, or
altered to meet the views of your Vestry, I cannot say.*
* The Bill was dropped on the last working day of the Session, August 23.