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9
As regards the District of Whitechapel, there is not sufficient evidence
to conclude that the population therein has diminished since the last census;
for although several houses within the last few years have been taken down,
and very few new ones erected in their stead, yet, from the large influx of
foreigners of the poorer class, who crowd into the tenemented houses at
night, the population, so far from being lessened, may be increased; and
if the census were taken at night, and by personal inspection of the rooms,
in some of the poorer localities in this District, the population would be
found to be greater than is given in the published returns.
Nuisance from Offensive Matter being conveyed in Waggons
through the streets.
The Inspector, Mr. Battram, reports that on the 6th October his
attention was directed to a most offensive smell arising from a waggon,
which was laden with damaged rice, on its way to a manufactory known as
the Patent Grape Sugar Works in Lambeth Street.
I am not aware that there is any power given to the Inspector of Nuisances
to prevent offensive matter being conveyed along the streets outside
the City of London, where, I am informed that carts or waggons, in which
any offensive matter is being carried through the streets after a given hour
in the morning and before a given hour in the evening, are stopped, and
proceedings taken against the persons so offending.
It is most desirable that similar powers should be given to all the
other Districts in the Metropolis. There are very few persons who pass
frequently through the streets of London but who have cause to complain
of the stench arising from these passing nuisances. The local authorities
ought to have power to insist upon all precautions being taken by persons
engaged in conveying offensive materials along the streets, not only to hide
them from public view, but to prevent them from occasioning a nuisance.
Mr. Battram also reports that there is an accumulation of filthy rags
in Sugar-loaf Court, Spitalfields, which causes an offensive nuisance, and is
injurious to the health of persons living in the vicinity of that locality.
Against Mr. Isaac Cohen, the owner of these premises, a summons was
taken out on the 2nd October, and the case was heard by Mr. Bushby, at
the Worship Street Police Court, who, after hearing the case, made an
order on the owner to remove the whole of the rags, and the other offensive
matter, within one calendar month. This order was not obeyed; Sir. Isaac
Cohen only removing a portion of the offensive materials during the period
allowed. A summons for penalties was therefore taken out, when a fine of
£2 10s. and 2s. cost was imposed, or 14 days' imprisonment The fine
was paid.