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"When the vestry oppose, then the ground for such opposition is heard
by the Magistrates (sometimes counsel are employed on both sides,
and the case argued), and I have never known a license granted in this
Parish that was opposed by us, although, in many cases, it has been the
reverse in other Parishes. All licenses have to be renewed year by
year, and it is the custom of myself and Inspectors to visit some time
prior to licensing day all slaughter houses in the several districts of the
Parish, and if there is any defect in the drainage, paving, or cleanliness
of the premises inspected (for they frequently get out of order), then a
notice is served upon the occupier, when, if the work is not done by
licensing day, then opposition is made provisionally, that is until the
adjourned session, which takes place about a month after the ordinary
one—and we always find that the fear of losing the license makes them
carry out our requirements—and if all be done, the opposition is withdrawn
and the license granted. It is in consequence of the belief that
the law of 1844 would be carried into effect that many slaughter
houses, not of the most eligible kind, have been allowed to remain,
the Sanitary Authorities not wishing to interfere with them as they
believed all would be so soon swept away.
Last Year, however, Dr. Brewer brought in a Bill to repeal the
abolishing clause.
Dr. Brewer's short Bill consists of the following clause:—
"From and after the passing of this Act, the slaughtering of cattle or sheep by a
butcher, in his slaughter house, duly licensed, shall not be held to be carrying on an
offensive or noxious business within the meaning of the said Act, 7 and 8 Vic., c. 84."
But this was withdrawn, and the matter referred to a Select Committee
of the House of Commons, The evidence given was very conflicting :
seme asserting that they were quite inoffensive, while others averred that
they were most deleterious to the public health.
Most of the Medical Officers of Health investigated the matter, and a
paper was read at a meeting of the Association by T. Orme Dodfield, Esq.,
M.D., Medical Officer of Health for the Parish of Kensington, when a
lengthy discussion ensued, and the following motion and amendment
were moved.
Dr. Liddle then moved, and Professor Tidy seconded:— "That in the opinion of this
meeting, the slaughtering of cattle in the private slaughter houses in London should be
abolished, and that a certain number of public slaughter houses should be created either