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75
In conclusion, we may point out that water of this description
furnishes an extremely favourable breeding ground for every
land of bacteria, as the above investigations distinctly prove.
Although we have been unable to find evidence of direct contamination
from the human subject, the possibility of such
contamination is constantly present. A report made by us on
the ice creams vended in all parts of London clearly proves
this.
The filthy conditions under which these ice creams are vended
have been already described by us, and the so-called cleansing
processes on the barrows are equally bad. The present state of
affairs undoubtedly constitutes a source of danger to the health
of the children of the poorer classes by whom the ice creams
are mainly consumed. It seems hardly necessary to point out
once more the intimate connection existing between dirt and
disease.
The Yestry sent a copy of the Report to the
Local Government. Board, and again asked them to
promote legislation for the purpose of providing
for the registration of the vendors of these creams,
and for empowering the Board to make bylaws for
the regulation of the trade ; and also asked the
other Sanitary Authorities of the Metropolis to cooperate
with the Yestry in the matter.
A letter was received in reply from the Local
Government Board, suggesting that the Yestry
might offer evidence to the Select Committee on
Food Products Adulteration with respect to their
proposals as regards the sale of ice cream, and the
Vestry requested the Medical Officer of Health,
Dr. Macfadyen, and the Analyst, to tender evidence,
as suggested. It was, however, shortly afterwards
announced that the Committee, which had been
sitting for four years, had decided to receive no
more evidence.
Cabstand, Garnault Place.—In August a letter
was received from the Commissioner of Police
asking the Yestry's opinion upon a proposal to
establish a cabstand in Garnault Place. The