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14
Open Spaces.
The importance of preserving for the public use open spaces in
the Metropolis, has been frequently mentioned in my Quarterly
reports. Open spaces for the recreation of children are essentially
necessary for their health and well-being. Unless open air places for
amusement and recreation are provided for the children living in the
crowded courts of London, their growth will be stunted, and neither
their physical nor mental powers will be developed. I may further
add that unless more open space is provided for each house which
in the future may be built in London, and a prohibition put to the
building over the back yards of many of the houses which now exist,
and the prevention of houses from being built back to back, it will be
found that, should the population continue to increase in the same
ratio as is shown by the recent census, many parts of London will
become so unhealthy that the local authorities will be compelled for
the public safety to open out the confined localities, and keep them
as open spaces.
Adulteration of Food and Drugs Act.
Mr. Battram reports that he has submitted to Mr. Young, the
Analyst for the District, seven samples of milk for analysis; out of
which three were found to be adulterated with water in the following
proportions, viz.: one of 25 per cent., one 26 per cent, and one 18
per cent. Summonses were taken out against the several parties,
and a conviction in each case was obtained. One of the parties was
fined £5 and 2s. costs, a previous conviction having been obtained
against him. One was fined £1 10s. and 2s. cost, and the other £1
and 2s. costs.
Mr. Wrack reports that during the Quarter ended 2nd April,
he purchased 9 samples of milk, and submitted the same to the
Public Analyst for analysis. One of such samples was found to be
adulterated with 7 per cent, of added water, one 11 per cent., one 17
per cent., one 20 per cent., one 22 per cent., and one 35 per cent.
In the four worst cases summonses were issued against the vendors
thereof, one of whom was fined 10s. and 2s. costs, two were fined 20s.
and 2s. costs, and the other 40s. and 2s. costs. With regard to the
other two cases the vendors have been cautioned.