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principally from two causes, 1st, the impurity of the water admitted
to the Cut, and 2nd, the pollution of the Cut by the dust yards on
its banks. The condition of the supplying source should be
improved, and no refuse matter from the dust yards or elsewhere
should be permitted to find its way into the Cut, which should be
periodically dredged, not as is the practice in the hot weather when
the offensive effluvium compels the adoption of some steps for its
alleviation, but in the cool seasons of the year.
The sausage case factory in Rich Street, Limehouse, and the
blood manure works on Bow Common, were subjects of complaint.
These businesses were established before the passing of the
Slaughter-houses Act of 1874, and are subject to the bye-laws
made by the Metropolitan Board of Works for their c6nduct.
Your Hoard have powers with regard to such businesses under
the Nuisances Removal Act which were exercised in both cases.
The outbreak of Cholera in Egypt caused great activity among
the sanitary authorities of the Kingdom. It was recognized on all
hands that the possibility of the importation of the disease into
this country was by no means improbable and we proceeded to set
our house in order. A general cleansing was instituted, our water
receptacles, dust bins, courts and alleys were specially inspected and
cleansed, and an Assistant Inspector was appointed to look after
such matters. The contractors were especial objects of solicitude
for it was felt that the accumulation of refuse in their yards was a
menace to the public health and a source of danger, the magnitude
of which, in the event of the introduction of Cholera, it was
impossible to over estimate. Fortunately the disease did not
appear, but the possibility of its advent produced its effect among
the populace and the sanitary authorities for it served to direct
attention where attention was needed, and to discover and remedy
many sanitary evils. 1 am strongly of opinion that the Cholera in