[Report 1896] / Medical Officer of Health, Wigan County Borough.

  • Wigan (England). County Borough Council.
Date:
1896
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1896] / Medical Officer of Health, Wigan County Borough. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    37/56 (page 31)
    MEAT INSPECTION AND SLAUGHTERHOUSES. During the year numerous inspections of slaughterhouses and of meat exposed for sale have been made by the Sanitary Inspectors, and in cases where it was deemed unfit for human food I have been called in to confirm or otherwise the opinion, and invariably the meat has had to he sent to the Miry Lane Depot. No prosecutions have arisen as the inspectors have been called by the owner to see if the meat was passable. From my own observation, however, I am convinced that meat of a very inferior quality is brought and slaughtered in the town, but under existing arrangements it is difficult to prevent it. Surprise visits have been paid, but without result. I hope, however, during the coming year to pay a visit of inspection to all the known slaughterhouses and report thereon. The Chief Sanitary Inspector’s report will give details as to what has been done during 1896. An important seizure of tinned foods was made on March 31st, 1896, and the defendant was sent to gaol for one month, without the option of a fine. BLACK SMOKE NUISANCES. Numerous complaints have reached me concerning the emission of black smoke, which is certainly injurious to health, especially in thick, heavy, foggy, and damp weather, when'the ill-effects are most perceptible. Numerous observations have been taken from time to time, and the offenders spoken to, cautioned, and served with notices, from time to time, with some improvement. I am convinced from my observations, and from information obtainable from other sources, that a great deal can be done to prevent the emission of dense black smoke. Without in any way wish¬ ing to interfere with our manufacturers, yet the health of our people should be our first care, and if manufacturers will allow nuisances to arise which are preventable, then it is our duty to take similar action against them as we should against other offenders. WATER SUPPLY. During the year we had for a considerable period an intermittent supply of water, and at one time the reports of the Public Analyst were not over reassuring as to its quality. The dangers of an intermittent water supply are many. I felt it my duty to mention the subject in my monthly report, dated September 17th, 1896. I wrote as follows :—“ As regards the intermittent water supply, I have hitherto, in my previous reports, avoided touching on the matter, knowing that the Water Com¬ mittee were making every endeavour in trying to obtain a sufficient supply ; but as we are still suffering from a short supply, I must point out to you how desirable it is that we should, from a public health point of view be relieved as soon as possible from this difficulty. I would urge on the