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185
In deference to the public outcry two years since as to the spread of glanders the
Association temporarily closed all its troughs for a few weeks, but as no abatement of
the disease was observed, and so much suffering and increase of abdominal complaints,
distinctly traced to the want of water, were produced, the Committee felt compelled,
after taking the best possible advice, to again open all the structures.
The Committee are, of course, fully aware thai in an outbreak of disease it is
natural that some suspicion should immediately attach to the troughs, but they have
no hesitation in saying that if the disease is spreading, the cause must be sought
elsewhere, and may be found in the deficient ventilation, defective sanitary arrangements,
and overcrowding of many of our Metropolitan stables, and from too lax an
enforcement of the laws which so strictly prohibit the concealing, using and selling
horses suffering from glanders and farcy.
The fittings at the end of each trough through which the water flows direct into
the gulley, are of the best possible kind, and all the troughs are constantly inspected
and cleaned by men specially employed for that purpose; many schemes have been
suggested at various times, but after cartful consideration have been found
impracticable.
The Committee consider that the vast number of valuable horses which hourly
drink at our troughs in London and suburts ought to be sufficient proof that the
owners of such animals do not consider the troughs a source of danger.
I enclosc copy of correspondence which took place with the Metropolitan Hoard
of Works in 1881, and we have no reason to alter the opinions then formed.
We sincerely trust that for the sake of the thousands of animals who so largely
benefit by a free draught of water, that your Vestry will not listen to unfounded and
vague charges, but rather encourage the erection of more troughs in your district.
Yours faithfully,
(Signed) M. W. MIL I ON,
Secretary.