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24
ber Sessions. The dimensions of the cow-houses were also
taken in relation to the number of cows, so that some rule might
be laid down and acted upon in regard to a certain cubic space
per cow. The defects of the faulty cow-houses consisted mainly
in their being too closely imbedded among inhabited houses,
there being no yards, and the dung-pits being within the cowhouses,
thereby heating and rendering foul the air within, and
even tending to contaminate the milk.
The justices suspended the licenses of these, and some
others, until certain improvements were effected; but they
declined to suspend the licenses of the worst, or to lay down a
rule as to cubic space, inasmuch as the premises were incapable
of enlargement, and the businesses had been carried on in them
for many years, and no positive and direct injury had been shown
to arise from their use.
Bakehouses.—The bakehouses were also inspected. They
were 62, kept by 60 bakers. Last year the numbers were 60
and 57. Some of these are excellently constructed, situated
above ground (as all ought to be), and in good order; while
others, as I have so often pointed out, are below ground, illsituated.
low. close, without proper light and ventilation, and
ought to be shut up, with due regard to the health of the workmen.
But as this cannot be done, we are compelled to rest
satisfied with enforcing the terms of the Act.
Mortuary.—A notable event in the year was the completion
of the Mortuary. This building, which has been erected at
considerable expense, contains a Coroner's Court, a waitingroom,
two rooms for the reception of the dead—one for infectious,
the other for non-infectious cases—a post-mortem room,
with the necessary offices; the whole being well constructed,
very ornamental, the fittings being of the most modern and
approved kind. Appended to it is the disinfecting oven. In
an adjoining house lives the mortuary-keeper, to whom great