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could have been taken before the Magistrates, and possibly illness
broken out, seeing they did not comply with the request to move, the
owner gave authority for their ejectment, and several horses were
taken down, and 24 of the vans drawn off on to the highway. The
Inspector of Police who was present with 8 officers for the purpose
of keeping order then dealt with them and ordered their dispersal.
Four of the vans were permitted to remain on account of some of the
children in them appearing to be ill. The following day I visited the
encampment with Mr. Johnson and examined the children, and in
consequence of their critical condition consented to their staying for a
few days. During the night for about a week several of the caravans
with their occupants returned, but each morning were removed.
Four of the children died, 3 from bronchitis and pneumonia, and
the other from measles coupled with broncho-pneumonia, undoubtedly
accelerated by the adverse surroundings.
The owner of the land was communicated with, but for a few
days took no steps in the matter which was becoming dangerous to
the health of the community. Had a serious infectious disease broken
out here it might easily have started an epidemic. Your Clerk, Mr.
Butterworth, promptly communicated with the owner, and pointed
out to him that unless he took immediate steps to prevent the return
of the gypsies to his land after their ejectment, legal proceedings
would be instituted for an injunction, restraining him from permitting
the ground to be used in such a way as to be a nuisance and injurious
to health. He commenced fencing in the field, which when completed
put an end to the trouble. On several occasions during the year
other gypsies have for a night or two encamped on a piece of ground
in High Street, Merton, but as soon as their presence was made
known their removal was effected promptly.
Unsound O'1 several occasions complaints have been received from
Food. persons alleging that they have been supplied with unsound food by
certain shop-keepers, but on account of the time which has
generally elapsed between the sale of the article and its being
brought to the notice of the inspector, it was not thought advisable
for legal proceedings to be taken. In three instances I have given
certificates that the food was diseased, unsound, unwholesome, or
unfit for the food of man, and the Magistrate has condemned the
same, the offenders being severely cautioned and warned to be more
careful in future dealings.