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10
Proceedings have been taken against several parties in the North District for
keeping swine, and those nuisances are now abated.
Many of the efforts which have been made to improve the domestic conveniences
of the poor, have proved unavailing, and great expenses have been incurred by landlords
in fixing soil-pans and traps, and laying on of water for the purpose of flushing
them. The poor, generally, are so utterly ignorant of the requirements of civilized
life, never having had the means of practising them, that they cannot appreciate the
efforts which are now made to add to their comfort, and induce among them habits
of self-respect. It not unfrequently happens, that when they have any old useless
articles which they wish to get rid of, they throw them down their water-closets,
causing the drains to become stopped, when violent efforts, by means of a poker or
heavy stick, are made to dislodge the impediment in the drains, whereby the trap
becomes broken, and a worse state of things is the result, rendering it necessary to
supply a new apparatus. It appears that more than a hundred newly fixed pans and
traps in this district, have been rendered useless within a short time after they had
been fixed.
These disheartening results of our labours, must not, however, check our
exertions to raise the moral condition of the poor. Within my recollection, a vast
improvement has taken place in the habits and general condition of the poor, and by
our more frequent intercourse among them, and showing them the comforts and health
promoting influences of cleanliness and decency, we shall succeed in raising them
above their present squalid condition, and teach them to value and seek for those
comforts which cleanliness and decency alone can provide.
I am, Gentlemen,
Tour obedient Servant,
15, Great Alie Street, JOHN LIDDLE.
27th Oct., 1857