A PARLIAMENTARY paper just issued contains a report by Mr. J. K. Howard, dated October 16, 1875, on the recommendation of the Select Committee of 1875, on the New Forest.

THE Caledonian Railway Company have just had built for them eight special trucks or carriages for the conveyance of the American fresh meats. Each truck has a double roof, and through the space between these roofs the fresh air is carried into the body of the carriage where the meat in quarters is suspended. It is consequently exposed to a continuous draught of fresh air, which must necessarily improve the tenderness of the meat.

A SINGULAR CHOICE.

THE Cambridge lodging-house syndicate have elected as their secretary, whose duty it will be to report on the sanitary state of the lodgings occupied by the undergraduates, a gentleman in holy orders, namely, Mr. Howard, fellow of Trinity College. It ought to be known, we think, that there was one medical candidate, himself a graduate in medicine, and resident member of the senate, and officer of health to the university and town, and who not being in private practice would have been quite unfettered. No medical graduate opposed Mr. Anningson's candidature. Some remark would probably be made if one of the bishops were to appoint a medical friend as examining chaplain for candidates for holy orders; but such an appointment would hardly be more opposed to the dictates of reason.

THE GAS SUPPLY OF THE CITY. DR. WILLIAMSON, F.R.S., the chief gas examiner appointed by the Board of Trade, reporting to the Corporation of London on the gas supply to the City during the last quarter, states that, with respect to the illuminating power, the maximum, minimum, and average power in standard sperm candles was at Beckton 191, 159, and 17.5 respectively, and at Friendly Place 17.2, 16, and 16.4. The average power had thus been above the requirements of the Act of Parliament. As regards purity, the gas at both testing stations had been uniformly free from sulphuretted hydrogen. The maximum, minimum and average proportions of sulphur per 1,000 cubic feet were at Beckton 211, 84, and 131 respectively; and at Friendly Place 19.5, 5.5, and 11.8. Ammonia had been present, but in a very small quantity.

A NOVEL SOURCE OF LEAD POISONING. DR. ALFORD, the Medical Officer of Health for Taunton, in his last report to his authorities, stated that he had recently investigated an outbreak of lead poisoning in his district. The disease was in most cases of a very marked character, the blue lines on the gums, the colic and other symptoms, being unmistakable. The first cases that occurred were in an isolated farm-house. Repeated visits and analyses of water, preserves, &c., threw no light whatever on their origin; he could find no lead. Then, in sharp succession, a large number of fresh cases were reported to him in various houses, mostly isolated, in the neighbourhood, many of which were very severe. Some six or seven families were affected. They all had in common, it appeared, sent their corn to be ground at the same mill. He had visited and inspected this mill, and the origin of all the mischief was at once apparent. having the mill-stone raised he found the surface of each stone honey-combed with lead. The mill-stone being of a very loose nature, large spaces occur, which of late, during the illness of the owner, have been filled up by pouring in quantities of molten lead. The first grinding of wheat that took place after the 'dressing' contained, no doubt, large quantities of the metal. He at once had the lead removed, but from what he heard this was by no means an uncommon way of repairing mill-stones. He had, therefore, the more fully reported this case that the public might be aware of a dangerous source of poisoning. He was within the mark

On

in saying that some six or seven families, numbering in all perhaps some fifteeen or twenty persons, had been almost simultaneously poisoned. There were about ten pounds of lead upon the surface of the mill-stone, and the cavities were all filled up with the same metal.

STEAM TRAMWAYS.

FROM the report of the Select Committee appointed to exam ne into the feasibility of employing steam on the public roads, we learn that the London General Omnibus Company owns nearly 8,000 horses, and, in addition to its own vehicles, supplies horse power to some of the tramways. The horses are usually bought at about the age of five years, and the average life of a horse, after that time, if drawing an omnibus, is four and a-half years; if dragging a tram-car, four years only. It follows, then, that in the work of this company above 1,600 to 1,700 horses are broken down every year. Of these, 1,000 are sent at once to the knacker's yard, while the rest are sold at the hammer for what they will fetch, usually at an average price of 97. or 10l. To show the extent of the omnibus and tramway traffic in the metropolis, and the importance of economy and efficiency, the Committee state that in 1876 the London General Omnibus Company alone carried 51,158,946 passengers, and the three Metropolitan Tramway Companies took 48,000,000.

The committee concluded that steam on tramways should be generally permitted, but that the following clauses should be attended to in framing the bill or provisional order granting the necessary powers. The machinery to be protected and concealed from view. The ingress to and the egress from the passenger car to be safe, convenient, clear of machinery, and free from unpleasant noise, heat, or smell. Every engine to be, as far as possible, free from noise of machinery or of blast. The engine to avoid, as far as possible, the emission of smoke or noxious or unpleasant vapour. Two men to accompany each engine, unless by special dispensation. Brake power to be provided sufficient to stop the engine and car in their own length when travelling eight miles an hour. Every engine to carry a fender or some similar protection, and a bell or some sound of warning. Every engine to carry a number, by which it may be registered at the Board of Trade. Every engine to be inspected twice in each year by a competent engineer, and a report to be sent to the Board of Trade. The Board of Trade to have power to order a special inspection at the cost of the company. Engines not to travel over a public road at a greater speed than at the rate of eight miles an hour in towns and twelve miles an hour in the country.

Not alone humanity, but economy as well, urges us to introduce this means of locomotion as speedily as may be. The withdrawal, too, from the streets of the dung and urine of the present tram-car horses must make a sensible sanitary improvement in the metropolis.

Special Report.

REPORT OF THE MEETING OF MEDICAL OFFICERS OF HEALTH.

THIS meeting was held on May 10, Dr. Buchanan, president, in the chair. After the minutes were read Dr. Buchanan rose to present a testimonial to Dr. Vinen. It consisted of a silver claret jug mounted on an ebony stand, bearing a suitable inscription, and two silver cups elegantly chased and copied from patterns by Cellini. We understood the value to be about 70l., but nothing was stated on that point. The president read the resolution which was passed at a meeting of the society in December last, and stated that every office-bearer and old member, both metropolitan and extra-metropo

litan, subscribed to it. Dr. Vinen replied in appropriate terms and referred to the assistance he had received from his colleagues in carrying out his duties during the last fourteen years.

As no

Dr. Corfield then read a report on the case of W. Wilson v. Finch-Hatton (see SANITARY RECORD, May 11, p. 306), which had lately been decided on appeal before three judges, and pointed out that persons who took furnished lodgings were justified under the ruling in leaving them if they were not fit for habitation by reason of any sanitary defect. Dr. Stevenson then read his paper on an outbreak of typhoid fever in St. Pancras, the particulars of which are detailed in our impression of March 30. He considered that, although he had not been able to ascertain the source of infection, there could be no doubt that the disease had been caused by the milk sold by one dealer, as the outbreak was conterminous with the milk walk and limited as to its duration: also because there had been previously an universal freedom from typhoid in that district. The chief point of interest was that the residents in 5 per cent. only of the houses were attacked, instead of a larger proportion, but that might be accounted for by the supply being received from three farms, each of which was kept distinct. definite source of infection could be traced, he suggested that it might have arisen from infection derived either (a) from a pig or dog, as both may suffer from typhoid; (b) from the animal having drank impure water; or (c) by non-specific filth being conveyed into the milk. The president said these outbreaks were not common, as he had received information of fourteen only, although he had notice of hundreds from other causes every year. Dr. Bond thought that the milk might have been specifically infected from the hands of the milker. Dr. Jacob inquired if Dr. Stevenson had gone to the farms himself. Dr. Tripe said that it was a decided advance in the history of typhoid fever, that it had been fairly proved, that the infectious matter was conveyed by a fluid and not by sewer gas. Dr. Tidy thought there was a fashion in sanitary as well as other matters, and that too many outbreaks were attributed to infected milk. Mr. Radcliffe said he knew but of a few, and objected to Dr. Stevenson's hypothetical causes, and referred to the Glasgow and Marylebone outbreaks. Mr. Hicks, of Hendon, related the history of a similar case that came under his notice. Dr. Stevenson then replied.

Mr. Whittaker then delivered a lecture on the 'Water-bearing strata of London.' He commenced by pointing out that villages were originally built near springs or to rivers, where the inhabitants could obtain water and water carriage. As an instance of the former he mentioned the line of towns and villages extending from Croydon to Guildford, which are built on tertiary strata, so that water crops out on the surface. If we follow the history of the London water-supply we find that when the springs became insufficient, wells were sunk down to the clay, which also failing to provide the necessary amount of water, it had to be brought from distant springs, and then recourse was had to deep wells. As buildings extended, wells were sunk deeper into or through the chalk, but as at Hampstead, when the lower tertiaries were reached, the supply proved very small. He also said that the chalk wells are the most important near London, although somewhat uncertain in the yield. For instance, there are two

deep wells, one at Barclay's, which furnishes plenty of water, and another at Meux's, which once gave a sufficient quantity, but which has lately diminished, in consequence of a curve in the chalk. The question then arose as to the feasibility of obtaining water from the lower greensand, and after careful consideration it was determined to commence boring. The doubt arose from a line of old rocks (Devonian) having been asserted by Mr. Goldwin Austin to lie at a comparatively small depth below the chalk in the vicinity of the London basin. When a well was sunk at Harwich, after passing through 800 feet of chalk, the rod was carried through a thin layer of gault and then into a slaty rock of the kind found below the carboniferous rocks. The Metropolitan Board of Works are now boring at Crossness, and as that place is on the edge of the layer, it is possible that they may get a good supply of water. The borings lately carried on at Meux's have shared a fate similar to that at Harwich, as after passing through the chalk, gault, and oolitic rock they struck red beds, and then rocks having an oblique cleavage, which evidently belongs to the old rocks. All this evidence shows that it is better to trust in London to the chalk, as the extent of drainage surface is very large, the stratum is very thick (on an average about 645 feet), and in most places moderately permeable; the lower greensand, even when found, being from 200 to 400 feet thick, and not continuous. Besides which a large supply is to be got at Kingston, where the water is running to waste; on the Kentish side, where the lower greensand is nearer the surface, and contains much water, and from deep wells along the valley of the Lea. After a vote of thanks to Mr. Whittaker, which was carried by acclamation, Mr. Greaves, late chief engineer to the East London waterworks, was called on to speak. He said that he felt much indebted for the amount of new information, especially as regards wells. He doubted the abundance of water in the chalk, as it was very capricious; marvellous quantities sometimes being obtained for long periods, as at Chigwell and Amwell, and in other cases the wells soon became dry. He thought the chief differences occurred from variations in their structure, as the largest supply, in his opinion, was obtained from beds when extensively fissured, or abounding in faults, and especially when flints were largely mixed with the chalk. He also referred to the water running into the Thames east of the Ravensbourne to Dartford, and to the proportion of rain absorbed by the soil, which he estimated at 25 per cent., as a very large proportion was given off by evaporation. Dr. Tripe then remarked that the rate at which water passed through the interstices of the chalk had not been referred to, although it has been a matter of great dispute, and thought a large proportion of the water from chalk passed from one part to another by fissures. He also objected to the application of Mr. Greaves' 'evaporation guage' experiments to evaporation from the soil. Dr. Bond instanced the expenditure of 20,000l. by the Southampton corporation in sinking a deep well which had to be abandoned, as after passing through the gault they reached a non-waterbearing stratum. Mr. Whittaker then replied, and pointed out that Mr. Greaves was at issue with most engineers and geologists as to the amount of evaporation, which is ordinarily estimated at not more than one-third of the total rainfall, another third running off the land, and the remainder being absorbed. The meeting then adjourned.

Parliamentary Proceedings.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.

(Thursday, May 17.)

THE ARCTIC EXPEDITION.

MR. MITCHELL HENRY, who had given notice of the following questions, said he would not put the first one, but would ask the other two: To ask the First Lord of the Admiralty why the report of the committee on the existence of scurvy in the recent Arctic Expedition has been so long delayed. Whether the report published in the Times of the 16th inst., is the original report, or whether it has been in any respect modified or mitigated in consequence of pressure from the Admiralty, or from any other official quarter. And whether it is a fact that a large part of the supply of lime-juice sent down to be put on board the Alert and the Discovery before they left England was rejected by the commanders of those ships on the ground that it had arrived too late, and that there was not room for it on board.

Mr. Ward Hunt said: The hon. member has withdrawn his first question, and, as the second one is of an insulting character-insulting to the Admiralty and the committee-I must decline to answer it, and submit to an insult put in the form of an interrogation. As to the last question, there is no foundation for the allegation made in the inquiry.

Mr. Mitchell Henry: I rise to order. I submit there is nothing whatever of an insulting character in the second question-certainly nothing of the kind was intended. It is a well-known fact that reports are frequently referred back for modification. I will put this question in any form the right hon. gentleman may desire, because I wish the public to have the information, and the right hon. gentleman has not answered either of my questions.

Mr. Ward Hunt: The Admiralty appointed a committee of a judicial character, and the hon. member asks whether the Admiralty have applied pressure to that committee to induce them to modify their report. I consider that an insulting question, and I have nothing to add to the answer I just gave. I have answered the third question, and said there is no foundation for the allegation in the inquiry.

Mr. Mitchell Henry: What I want to know is whether the report has in any respect been modified, and whether the report before us is the original report of the committee

or not.

The Speaker: The hon. member should give notice of his question.

Mr. Butt moved the adjournment of the House. They had a right to have full information regarding this matter, and it was not right for the First Lord of the Admiralty to reply in the way he had done. The question was a very plain one, and it admitted a plain answer, which had not been given. He did not understand it reflected on the Admiralty or the committee in the way the First Lord supposed. But even if it did, that was a reason why the question should be answered.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer: I regret very much this heated debate has grown up. I think the question as it stands on the paper does convey a very serious reflection upon the Admiralty, because it implies that the Admiralty have taken some steps to get the report which was intended to be of a judicial character modified or mitigated. If that had been done by the Admiralty it would have been a serious offence, and it would deserve serious notice. Therefore I do not think the hon. member has a right to put a question of that sort unless he has some grounds upon which to found it. If he has such grounds, it would be more convenient those grounds should be stated, and a distinct motion made. I think my right hon. friend was justified in feeling hurt by an imputation which reflects very seriously upon him.

Mr. Mitchell Henry: The question I have put is a definite one, and it can be easily and definitely answered. It is whether the report is the original report, or whether it has been modified for any reason. If it has not been modified let him say so; and if it has, we have a right to know further particulars. I protest against the language of the right hon. gentleman, and I beg to say that neither here nor elsewhere shall he be permitted to use language of the kind to me. I submit he is himself disorderly in making the statement he has done; but he will not intimidate me in the performance of my public duty.

Dr. Playfair said: I think if the right hon. gentleman knew the opinion amongst the medical men of the country he would be desirous to give further information on this matter. There is, rightly or wrongly, a general impression that a report was agreed upon by the committee, and that that report was delayed, and was finally altered by the committee. I do not approve of the language in which the question of the hon. member has been put. But if the right hon. gentleman has no objection, I shall be prepared to ask whether the report published in the Times is the report as it originally passed the committee, or whether it has since been altered.

Mr. Ward Hunt: I have no objection to answer that question at once. The report which has been laid upon the table of the House is the only report of which I have seen or heard. It was dated March 3, and it was presented to me by the chairman of the committee, who accompanied it by a note stating that the report would not be complete until a memorandum had been received from the medical committee. That report was subsequently received, and immediately afterwards the complete report was laid upon the table. There has been no delay in producing the report, and the only communication made to the committee has been to thank them for the pains which they have taken.

Mr. Butt then withdrew his motion for the adjournment of the House, and the subject dropped.

NON-REMOVAL OF REFUSE.

MR. LAYTON, clerk to the vestry of Islington, answered to a summons instituted by the London General Omnibus Company, for not removing dust and ashes from the company's factory and works. This case first came before the court in January, when it was adjourned pending the decision in a similar case, Gay v. Cadby, in the Common Pleas. The defence was that the refuse said to be dust and ashes was in reality 'trade refuse,' which the parish was not compelled to remove, except upon special agreement. Mr. Cooke said he understood it to be settled law that the refuse in question was 'trade' refuse, and he must therefore decide in favour of the parish. He refused to grant a case, leaving the company, if they thought proper, to apply by mandamus to compel him to do so, and he allowed no costs.

METHYLATED SPIRIT AS A BEVERAGE.

I. LEVI, of 5 Trighton Court, Whitechapel, was charged with, on January 12, unlawfully having in his possession methylated spirit, capable of being partially used as a beverage and internally as a medicine,

effect of the use of the word 'patent.' The word might be used in such a way as to deceive no one, as meaning that the article was manufactured according to a patent which had expired. But if, after the patent had expired, the representation was that the manufacture was protected by an existing patent, such a representation could not be protected as a trademark. It was an attempt to prolong the protection given by statute only so long as the patent existed. It was impossible to allow this to be done. Moreover, a man could have no trademark in a falsehood, and in his Lordship's opinion there was an attempt in this case to hold out to the world that the plaintiff's filters were protected by an existing patent. On that ground alone the plaintiff ought not to succeed. The third point was that it was said that the words on the defendants' filters were an advertisement fraudulently representing that they were made by the plaintiff. The defendants' filters were made according to the expired patent, and they were made by Walker, Brightman, and Co. There was no fraudulent representation. Fraud was the basis of all this jurisdiction, and unless fraud was made out the Court ought not to interfere. Appeal allowed, with costs.

BRIEF NOTES OF CASES.

VARIOUS LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. 1877. Purcell v. Sowler.—Action by medical officer of a union against a newspaper for libel, the libel being a report of a meeting of guardians where libellous words were spoken.-Action held maintainable, such report not being privileged. (46 L.J., C.P., 308; L.R., 2 C.P.D., 215; 36 L.T. 416.)

HIGHWAY ACT, § 95.

1876. Reg. v. Lee. -Summons for non-repair of a high: way.-Indictment ordered by justices.-Found at the trial that the way was only a foot path and bridle way, and indictment amended accordingly, so as to be restricted to the limited obligation, which was not disputed.-Held that the judge's order for costs to be paid out of the rates must be quashed, for the prosecution after such amendment was no longer such prosecution' within § 95. (45 L.J., M.C., 44; L.R., I Q.B.D., 198; 34 L.T., 445.)

INTERPRETATION OF STATUTES.

1876. Bentley v. Rotherham Local Board of Health.Local Act extended' by subsequent Act. Where the operative part of a statute is clear it is not to be controlled by the recitals, but where it is ambiguous the recitals may be referred to. (46 L.J., Ch. 284; L.R., 4 Ch. D., 588.)

HIGHWAYS, RATIONE TENURÆ.

1877. Reg. v. Pickering Township.-Narrow Highway reparable ratione tenure converted into a turnpike road and much widened.-Expiration of turnpike trust.— Held that the original private liability had been destroyed, and that the parish was now liable. (41 J.P., 68.)

Legal Notes and Queries.

PUNISHMENT FOR NON-VACCINATION. THE following letter, sent from the Home Office, has been published in the papers, and may conveniently be recorded in our columns. It shows the illegality of imposing hard labour on non-payment of a fine for nonvaccination.

Whitehall, May 1, 1877.

Sir, In reply to your letter of the 25th ult., I am directed by Mr. Secretary Cross to acquaint you that he has pointed out to the convicting magistrates that the imposition of hard labour in the case of Henry Pride was not warranted by law. I am, Sir, your obedient servant, W. H. Rothery, Esq., A. F. O. Liddell.

Cheltenham.

ALCESTER RURAL SANITARY AUTHORITY.

THE following practical suggestions have been drawn up by Mr. Charles Gander, Alcester, with a view of pointing out to persons, who may be called upon to do certain works under the above Act, the cheapest and best plan for the requisite proceedings to be taken. They are found to be very useful in rural sanitary districts, and have been approved by the Alcester board and the medical officer of health.

Section 23, of the Public Health Act, requires every house to be effectually drained, either into any sewer which is not more than 100 feet from the site of such house, or into such covered cesspool or other place not being under any dwelling, as the sanitary authority may direct.

The following simple system of drainage has been found to work well in rural districts where there are no When

public sewers for the disposal of house slops, etc. dwellings stand in, or are adjacent to gardens, the slops, etc., may in most cases be turned to good account, and may be removed from the house without the least annoyance, the only requirement being a gradual decline from the house to a distant part of the garden. Let all the slops fall into a trapped sink; the drain from the sink to the garden should be at least forty feet in length, and be laid of closely-jointed glazed socket pipes, and empty itself into a tank, about 18 inches deep, I foot wide, and of the requisite length. From this tank lay a series of drains (made of common 3-inch pipes) 8 feet apart and 12 inches below the surface of the ground. Place mortar at the top and bottom of the joints of the pipes, and leave the sides open. The liquid sewage coming from the tank oozes through the sides of the joints of the common drain The kind of tank best adapted for the reception of house pipes, and gradually soaks away into the surrounding soil. sewage from dwellings standing in gardens, is that invented by Mr. Field. This tank when full suddenly empties struction of the drain pipes liable to occur when very small itself by a syphon arrangement, thus preventing the obquantities of slops are dealt with without its assistance. This simple plan will utilise all liquid house refuse as a manure, without creating any nuisance. In laying such drains it should be remembered: 1. That house refuse is not now allowed to be discharged into any stream or watercourse; and 2. That these drains should not be placed anywhere in the neighbourhood of wells or other sources of water-supply. The following recommendations have reference to drains connected with the inside of any dwelling. Every drain should be provided, outside the exterior wall of the house, with an efficient water trap, with an inlet for cleansing, in order to cut off all air communication between the sewer and the house. Whenever practicable the drain pipes from sinks, baths, washbasins and other sources of waste-water except waterclosets, should have their continuity broken, by causing them to discharge their contents outside the house into an open trap on the drain. If a drain should communicate with the interior of a house, a ventilating pipe not less than 2 in. in diameter should be carried from the 'dead end' of the drain to a point above the eaves of the house situated as far as possible from all openings into the buildings, viz., windows and chimneys. All drains should be examined from time to time to make sure that no leakage is going on, and should be frequently and regularly flushed to prevent accumulations and unpleasant smells.

Section 36 of the above Act requires that every house shall be furnished with a sufficient water-closet, earthcloset, or privy, and an ash-pit with proper doors and coverings. For country districts in the stead of the oldfashioned privy the plan known as the 'tub or pail system' answers remarkably well, and can be adapted as follows. Place a large bucket close under the privy seat, which is made to work on hinges, or a lid may be made at the back or side of the closet as circumstances require, to enable the tub or pail to be easily removed when full. Dry ashes should be brought each morning and thrown into the tub, in order to prevent disagreeable smells arising. The