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189
" By direction of the Yestry, I enclose for the farther information of the
Committee, a Report on the subject by their Medical Officer of Health, which
has been approved by the Vestry. To this Report, therefore, I am to refer the
Committee, as containing a more full exposition of the Vestry's views on the
important questions dealt with in your circular letter."
I regret to have to state in conclusion that there is no
probability of the matter being de.ilt with in Parliament at the
instance of the Board during the current Session, and I believe
I am correct in stating that the Committee are not likely to
make any immediate report to the Board on the subject.
NUISANCE FROM BRICK BURNING.
During the summer of 1887, as in previous years, complaints
were made by several ratepayers in regard to stenches, especially
in the early morning hours, almost invariably supposed to be
due to sewer gas. The actual cause, however, was brick"
burning in localities, for the most part, beyond the limits of the
Parish. The reality of the nuisance is not open to question, and
the law is strong enough to put a stop to it, but the process is
tedious and costly, as was proved in two important actions
decided in the course of the year 1885. One of these actions
was based on complaint of nuisance from noxious smells arising
at a brickfield at Streatham, interfering with the plaintiffs in
the enjoyment of their premises, so much so that in certain
states of the wind they—at distances of 400 yards and 800 yards
respectively—were unable to open their windows. The cause of
nuisance, as proved, arose from the use of dust-bin refuse in the
manufacture and in the burning of bricks, the effect being to
produce noxious fumes which occasioned suffering to susceptible
persons from nausea, loss of appetite, headache, and malaise.
Mr. Justice Cave was clearly of opinion that there was a
nuisance at the brickfield which could be perceived at the
plaintiffs' premises, and to such an extent as to render the
occupation of their houses uncomfortable and unenjoyable. His