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Board, but they may claim a share to an extent perhaps not readily
realised; and it is satisfactory to know that all has resulted from
a prevailing public desire for the progress of moral and physical
improvement.
I venture also, from experience in this District, to express my
conviction, that with much still to be deplored in the character
and habits of the inhabitants detrimental to their health and
morals, some good progress is observable; and to hope that the
beneficial effects of the gradual improvement of dwellings, and a
more systematic course of education, will in a few years be such as
to justify the expectations of those by whom these social reforms
have been so strenuously and persistently advocated.
The domestic legislation of the past few years has impelled
statesmen and philanthropists of all classes to demand and press
forward further measures intended to benefit the great mass of the
people. A general recognition of the necessity for purer and a
more constant supply of water; dwellings better adapted to the
condition and requirements of the poor; open spaces for healthy
recreation; extended and improved education, and other schemes for
ensuring the health and advancing the happiness of all—proving that
"the brotherhood of man" is not a mere sentimental phrase, but
an important and accepted truth, calling for practical exemplification.
During the last Session of Parliament an Act was passed more
effectually to secure the health of the Metropolis, by improving
the supervision of Slaughter-houses, and businesses of a kindred
character. The Metropolitan Board, which is constituted the
"local authority" of the Metropolis by this Act, and empowered
to make bye-laws, has issued four sets of regulations for the conduct
of the business of Slaughter-houses for Cattle to be used as
butchers' meat, Tripe Dressers, Horse Slaughterers, Blood and Bone
Merchants, and Soap and Tallow Melters. Of these four sets of
rules, that relating to premises for the Slaughter of Cattle to be
used as butchers' meat is at present alone applicable to this
District. This document comprises 22 bye-laws of a somewhat
stringent character; but the sanction of the Local Government
Board is necessary before they can be legally acted upon. "When
this is granted, proper measures will be at once taken to secure a
prompt compliance with the requirements set forth. It is probable
that the first attempts for the enforcement of these regulations
may encounter some opposition, but when those affected become
convinced of their necessity for the public good, willing acquiescence
will doubtless follow.