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officially represented to the Metropolitan Board, have not been included
among those which are proposed to be dealt with immediately. One of
these areas, called the "Bell Lane Scheme," is simply an extension of the
"Goulston Street" area, and consists of a similarly bad class of property.
(A description will be found in my report for the quarter ended September,
1877). To leave this portion of the area standing, while the adjoining or
southern portion is improved, will be to render the same more hideous by
the contrast, and its hideousness will be more apparent; when the Improvement
Scheme of the Commissioners of Sewers for the City of London, on
the west side, is carried out.
Noxious Vapours Commission.
In the Report of the Royal Commission on Noxious Vapours, at page
25, the following statement appears:—
" The only remaining evidence affecting the Metropolis which requires
notice here, is that of Mr. Roberts, the Chemist to the Mint, with respect
to gold refining. It appears that a certain amount of nuisance and of
damage to such things as brass work and window curtains is occasioned by
the sulphurous and sulphuric acid fumes proceeding from the refinery of
Mr. Alfred de Rothschild, near the Mint. Mr. Roberts was of opinion
that the escape of sulphuric acid might be to a considerable extent prevented;
but having regard to the fact that there are only four refinery firms
in London, and that the details of the processes are kept secret, we are not
prepared to suggest any legislation affecting them."
I make no comment on the reasons assigned for not recommending
legislative action to abate the nuisance, but merely say, so much the
worse for the inhabitants living near these premises.
In my evidence given before the Royal Commission on the 8th March,
1877, I stated in reference to the nuisance arising from the Refinery
Premises in Royal Mint Street, that I had complained of it to your Board
no less than fourteen times; but I also stated that the nuisance was not
then so bad as it had been. If the nuisance should again arise I imagine,
after the opinion of the Royal Commission as given in the above extract
from their report, that we must bear with it. These works are exempted
from the provisions of the Fuisances' Removal Act, so that if it should at
any time become necessary to take legal proceedings against the owner, it
can only be done by the expensive process of indictment.