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be included in the rateable charge for water supply
for domestic purposes, and that where there is an
upstairs water-closet the Companies should not be
able to charge for the high service as well as for
the closet. The Vestry concurred with the views
contained in such letter, and further expressed the
opinion that one bath should also be included in
such charge.
Public Abattoirs—The Vestry have considered
a letter from the St. Giles District Board in favour
of the abolition of private slaughter-houses in the
Metropolis, and the provision of Public Abattoirs,
together with a letter from the London Chamber
of Commerce in opposition to the proposal. The
latter communication urged that the present private
slaughter-houses have been erected or adapted to
plans approved by the local authorities and the
County Council, and are subject to a dual supervision
by the officers of these authorities; that the
poor benefit by being enabled to buy the internal
parts of animals, which are only good when freshly
slaughtered; that the abolition of private slaughterhouses
would result in the whole live cattle trade
in London passing into the hands of a few wholesale
firms, who would be able to control prices to
the detriment alike of producer and consumer; that
there is more humanity and consideration for
animals in private than in public slaughter-houses,
and that the establishment of public abattoirs would
entail enormous expense upon the ratepayers without
any corresponding advantage. Having considered
the subject carefully, the Vestry were
unable to see the necessity for the change suggested
by the St. Giles' District Board at present, and
they forwarded replies to that Board and to the
Chamber of Commerce accordingly.