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43
{b)—That the system of disposal of the house refuse by dust
destructor be adopted.
(c)—If recommendations (a) and (b) be adopted, the Sanitary
Committee be instructed to submit to the Vestry a scheme
for the collection and disposal of house refuse.
The recommendations (a) and (b) were ultimately adopted, but (c)
was adjourned.
Nothing further beyond discussion was definitely settled on this
subject until 1899, when the Vestry finally decided to work their
electric lighting order in conjunction with a dust destructor, thus
utilizing the heat arising from the combustion of the house refuse
of the district in the raising of steam. Whatever may be said
about the local authority working their own electric lighting order,
nothing but unqualified approval must be given to the resolution to
destroy by heat the house refuse of the district. The matter, however,
has progressed so far that a dust destructor is now in course of
erection in connection with works to supply electricity for lighting
and power purposes to the district.
It is intended that the destructor shall consist of 12 cells fitted with
Babcock and Willcox tubular boilers for steam raising purposes, and
it is estimated that these cells will be capable of cremating 160 tons
of refuse per day without forcing. It is also arranged that special
means shall be provided for dealing with bulky articles, such as dead
animals, condemned meat, infected bedding, etc. It is believed that
by disposing of the house refuse in the way indicated a saving will
not only be effected in the cost of disposal, but, owing to the calorific
value of house refuse, there will be a proportional saving in the cost
of fuel for steam-raising for electric lighting, etc.
The advantages of the cremation of house refuse from a health
point of view are so apparent as to need no further reference.