View report page

9
proceedings against Mr. Bringes, to compel an abatement of the nuisance.
As the nuisance was not abated a summons was taken out, when Mr.
Bringes attended the Police Court, and promised to make such alterations
in the mode of conducting his business as would effectually destroy the
noxious vapours, and so relieve the neighbourhood from the nuisance. I
may, however, here observe that, unless the gases which are given off from
the process of manufacture are entirely burnt, the neighbourhood will be
subjected to their deleterious effects. As the premises in which this
business is carried on are situated in a very confined locality, and are
closely surrounded by inhabited houses, the utmost possible care is required
in the process of re-burning the animal charcoal, to prevent the escape of
the noxious effluvia. The process of throwing water upon the heated
charcoal ought to be abandoned, as the smell from this operation is very
offensive, and is altogether unnecessary. The plan adopted by some of the
sugar refiners in the district in the re-burning of their animal charcoal is
such that all the gases are burnt so soon as they are formed, It is,
therefore, obvious, that Mr. Bringes has not adopted the best practicable
means of carrying on his business so as to prevent nuisance.
A complaint has again been made of the nuisance of the refinery.
Premises of Sir Anthony Rothschild in Royal Mint Street, and the Board
referred the matter to the same Committee that was appointed three months
ago, when complaints of the nuisance were brought before the Board.
The recent inquiry into the alleged nuisance was made by two members of
the Committee, who had a long interview with several officers of the Royal
Mint. These gentlemen convinced the Committee that efficient means
were not adopted by Sir Anthony Rothschild to abate the nuisance. The
nuisance was said to be most intolerable, and at times it was so bad that a
dense vapour from the refinery premises was seen to hang over the open
spaces in the Royal Mint. This vapour produced among the residents such
great annoyance as to render it impossible for them to breathe without
occasioning a violent cough. This testimony was confirmed by two police
officers employed in the Mint. As the law at present stands, the Board,
I believe, can only proceed against Sir Anthony Rothschild by indictment,
but it is expected that, in the course of the next Session of Parliament,
ths Nuisances' Removal Act will be so amended that nuisances of this
description may be dealt with in a more summary manner. Ever since
the Board has been constituted, complaints have, from time to time, been
made of the nuisance from the premises, and very little abatement of the
evil has, as yet been effected. I have no doubt that the nuisance can be
suppressed, and it certainly is incumbent upon Sir Anthony Rothschild to
relieve the neighbourhood from the injurious effects of the vapours which
are now allowed to escape from his premises. It is admitted that a certain