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a putrid state, and alive with maggots. Besides these there
were several sacks, baskets, &c. full of the most offensive
fat, bones, &c." The stench from this place was perceptible
at a distance of a hundred yards, and your Vestry's surveyor
stated that the street in the vicinity was undermined with
rat-runs directed to the premises. A notice was served for
the removal of the stuff, and it was removed quickly, but
even after thorough washing of the premises there remained
a very offensive smell, caused no doubt by the bad state of
the brick floor which held a quantity of the fat, &c.; the
tubs also being saturated with fat. Further proceedings
were subsequently taken to obtain an Order for the prohibition
of the nuisance. So numerous were the complaints that,
after due consideration, the Works, Sanitary, and General
Purposes Committee recommended, and your Vestry directed,
"that the attention of the Metropolitan Board of Works be
directed to the serious character of the nuisance caused by
the collection of putrid animal matters at marine stores, and
that they be requested to consider as to the desirability of
the business of a 'marine store dealer,' being declared an
'offensive business' under the provisions of the Slaughter
Houses (Metropolis) Act, 1874, Section 3." It was felt that
public advantage would result from the action recommended
to be taken, for if the business were scheduled under the Act,
we should be able to secure a proper construction of the
premises where it is carried on, proper impermeable receptacles
for the collection, storage, and removal of the fat, &c.,
and frequent, if not daily, removal of it from the premises.
Incidentally, moreover, the nuisancewould be diminished, for
if the business were subjected to needful supervision, the
proprietors would impress on vendors, domestic servants for
the most part, the necessity of submitting their "perquisites"
for sale in a more wholesome condition.
The Board, however, did not adopt the views submitted
by your Vestry, for in their reply they stated that "the
businesses to which the Act of 1874 refers, are businesses