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carrying on the very trades, the nature and effect of which were under discussion. A
medical man or two was among them, and examined; but he (the Chairman) feared not
respected. It was a misfortune that this inquiry should have led to so disappointing an issue
With regard to the divergence in the facts stated by two of the speakers on the subject of
the powers of the magistrates, he thought the letter of the law was with Mr. Game, whose
opinion was the more exact of the two. But there was a difference in the law as applied
to the metropolis and places outside it. If the favourable conditions, which that gentleman
had induced in his case, were general, the public health would be the gainer. But
he (the Chairman) was afraid this was a theoretical condition, and, as such, must be
thrown aside. With regard to dairies lie could not see why we should have them in
London at all. He was quite convinced, in his own mind, that we should have in our great
cities slaughter houses under the control of the public authority. lis felt doubt, however,
whether they should be open to any one to slaughter in them when he chose. He would
have them let to individuals. If they were placed entirely and exclusively in the hands
of the public authority, that authority would go to sleep. But if let to individuals
under suitable conditions, it would take care that the tenants observed these conditions.
If we were to have private places we must have a license on the one hand, and bye-laws
on the other. The license must be granted by the authority which supervised, with rigid
conditions and rigid bye-laws regulating the manner in which the business should be
conducted. These should be enforced by a fine before the magistrate, and absolute confiscation
of the license in extreme cases. In this matter it was our duty to stimulate
public opinion, and watch its operation. It was impossible to enforce such things greatly
in advance of public sentiments. But before we could have what we desired in a really
efficient manner, we must have a strong municipal authority. The first element of
success was an authority possessing the public confidcnce. To the spread of scientific
education he looked for good results, and he was convinced that one of the results of the
public education of the country would eventually be far more effective than laws relating
to the public health.
Dr. Carpenter moved—"That the subject be referred to the Standing Committee of
the Health Department, in order that the Council may be recommended to take action in
the matter if necessary."
Dr. T. Dudfield seconded the motion, and in doing so, called attention to the fact
that a great many slaughter houses had been tolerated by the medical inspectors, which
would never have been allowed to continue had it not been known that they were, as a
whole, in consequence of the law, non-permanent.
Mr. Sneade. Brown proposed, and Dr. Carpenter seconded, a vote of thanks to the
Chairman, which was carried unanimously.
I have placed before you the opinions of various gentlemen thoroughly
conversant with the subject, and you will see the great diversity
that exists amongst those best informed. I do so, as I feel, that
should a new Act be passed this session, thus allowing the continuance of
private slaughter houses, it will still leave the power of licensing them
mainly in the hands of the Local Authorities; and it will bo for you to
consider what course ought to be taken to protect the vested rights and
interests of the trade on the one hand, and the health, comfort, and
well-being of the population at large on the other.