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commendation go forth from this Association in favour of establishing
abattoirs in lieu thereof, the question worth consideration
would then arise, in what manner and by what
authority, the work could be best accomplished. The following
is the resolution of the Medical Officers of Health Association,
passed last year, and again re-affirmed during this month
after a most dispassionate discussion, when the subject was
again brought forward by Dr. T. Orme Dud field, of Kensington:—
Moved and seconded—
"That, in the opinion of this meeting, the slaughtering of cattle in the
private slaughter-houses of London should be abolished, and that a certain
number of public slaughter-houses should be created, either under the
supervision of the Corporation of London, or the Metropolitan Board of
Works; and that those corporations should be urged to undertake the
erection of such buildings, and also the management of them, forthwith."
The following amendment was moved and seconded—
"That it is expedient that the 55th Section of the Metropolitan Buildings
Act, 1844, be repealed, but that the number of slaughter-houses be
gradually diminished by the abolition of many which are not in a thoroughly
fit condition, and which have been in a measure tolerated on account of
the uncertainty of the law; and that general, precise, stringent, and uniform
regulations should be laid down to be adopted by the vestries; aud
that greater power be given to the local authority to take proceedings at
any time of the year in cases where untrapped drains, want of care and
cleanliness, cruelty, and general deficient arrangements for layerage are
found to exist, penalties being recoverable in any police-court; and that
no slaughter-house be licensed until the owner has signed a copy of byelaws
pledging himself to carry them out fully and faithfully."
The amendment was supported only by the mover and
seconder, and the original motion was carried.
The only two members supporting the amendment have districts
more of a suburban character than the rest of London.
My own opinion is in favour of the Metropolitan Board of
Works in the metropolis taking the entire charge of supervising
the trade in cattle-killing, and noxious trades connected
therewith; and in country places, for the Council of the corporation
of a borough town, and the Local authority, whether
urban or rural, taking charge of all such places, granting
licences or permits for killing cattle for sale, and for the carrying
on of other noxious trades. The framing of such regulations or
bye-laws as may be needful for their efficient management, is
not difficult, while, at the same time, it will be proper to leave
to private speculation an opportunity of carrying out the work,
provided it was under inspection. In the former case a Bill
would have to be introduced by the Metropolitan Board of Works.