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9
license is granted either for the keeping of cows or the slaughtering of
cattle, the magistrates should, in every case, take the best evidence that
can he obtained, both as regards the fitness of the premises, and the mode
in which the applicant has conducted his business during the preceding
year; and not to grant a license, as a matter of course, because the local
board does not oppose, and if the evidence is very conflicting, then they
should be respectfully requested to view the premises, and give sentence
concerning their fitness or otherwise, according to their own judgment.
This might entail a good deal of trouble upon all parties concerned
in the matter, but the result would be highly advantageous to the public,
for it would have the effect of compelling the applicants for a license to
use the utmost care in carrying on their businesses. If cow-sheds and
slaughter-houses are permitted to continue in London, then, the dung
from these places, and also that from stables and lay-stalls, should be
vested in the local boards, in a similar manner to the dust in private
houses, and it should bo removed daily by their own contractor; for if the
dung be allowed, as it is at present, to be a source of profit to the owners,
it will be retained by them until the best price can be obtained for it, notwithstanding
the vigilance of the inspectors and the complaints of the
neighbourhood.
The dust-bins of private houses ought to be emptied at least once in
every week, and in hot weather more frequently, for vegetable and animal
refuse is thrown into them, which occasions offensive smells, and when
these receptacles are placed near to the dwelling houses, they are frequently
the cause of ill-health to those who are exposed to their emanations.
All the slaughter-houses, 37 in number, have heen inspected, and
where required, orders were given to cleanse the premises, trap the drains,
and repair the pavement. The bake-houses, 85 in number, have likewise
been inspected, and in some instances, it was deemed necessary to order
the premises to be white-washed.
My attention has recently been directed to a nuisance, not only very
disgusting, but likewise injurious to the public health, arising from the
keeping of large numbers of pigs and cattle in some of the densely
populated localities in the district. As premises used for this purpose do
not require an annual license, the only way of getting rid of the nuisance
is to take proceedings under the Nuisances Removal Act, for keeping
animals so as to be a nuisance or injurious to health. I have written to
the proprietor of one of these premises, informing him that they are not
fit for the purpose of keeping pigs, and that he must discontinue the
practice. This is only one of the evils arising from the existence of
slaughter-houses in the Metropolis. That all such places in large cities
and towns should be abolished is now universally admitted; they are
nuisances, and injurious to health. It is expected that in the course of
about nine years from this date, no slaughter-house will be permitted
to exist in London.