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Now, up to this point, there is nothing at all deleterious to health, if the fish are fresh
and the premises are kept clean; but, about six or seven in the evening, when the fires
are lighted, the objectionable process bogins; there are no fireplaces; a log of wood—
usually the stump of an oak tree—is placed on the floor; then it is ignited by setting fire
to chips, and leaving the doors open to create a draught to set the log burning. When
this is accomplished, the smoking goes on for six or seven hours; the fish is then fit for
sale; the men come between twelve and one a.m. to pack and send them to market early,
so that they are frequently eaten the day after they are cured.
It is in the process of smoking that the nuisance is said to occur; for it is by the slow
combustion or destructive distillation of wood that the gases aro evolved necessary for
curing the fish. These consist of carbonic acid gas, pyroligneous or acetic acid, tar acid,
&c., all of which are irritants to the lungs; but it is necessary that the fish should become
impregnated by these gases to give them their flavour.
I am not aware that any method has been invented by which fish can be cured so as
to prevent the liberation and diffusion of the gases before mentioned.
These premises have been visited by the Sanitary Committee, and frequently by myself
and staff. We have always found extreme good order and cleanliness.
Having given you these facts, I must leave it for you to decide what course of action
shall be taken in the matter.
I am, Gentlemen,
Yours obediently,
THOMAS SARVIS,
350, Bethnal Green Road, Medical Officer of Health.
October 20th, 1870.
After some discussion, it was resolved not to take any steps at that
time, but to leave it in the hands of the Sanitary Committee for further
investigation.
After this I visited the premises several times, both during the day and
at night, and found them in the same condition as they were when reported
upon in October. I conferred with the proprietor, and discussed
with him several suggestions thrown out by different persons, each of
which, it was said, would prevent any nuisance arising; but he was of
opinion that none of these suggestions were of a practicable nature, and
would involve the spending a large sum of money without any commensurate
benefit.
Subsequently to the date to which this report extends, a summons
was taken out by Mr. Taylor, an inhabitant of Peel Grove, against Mr.
Cushway, charging him with carrying on a business injurious to the
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