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is constructed with brick and backed up with cement concrete.
On account of the large quantity of water met with at the commencement
of the work it was not until the 16th January that
the Contractors were able to commence laying bricks at the
Rushey Green end.
The whole of the trench had to be close timbered at the
Rushey Green end, and at one time I was afraid it would be necessary
to leave six feet runners in the whole length of the sewer,
which would have cost a gooddeal of money.
At first it took a six-inch centrifugal pump to keep the water
under; but fortunately the soil changed to clay, and the wet gravel
was lost. The Sewer was not completed at the 25th March; but
is now finished. I think it a matter of congratulation that the
houses on the Priory Estate will soon be drained. For years past
it has been the one black spot in the District. There were many
difficulties in the matter which had to be surmounted.
The whole of the Sewers in the District have been regularly
inspected and cleansed during the year. It is by the introduction
of new manholes that I have an opportunity of ascertaining the
condition of the older sewers, hence the importance of continuing
the construction of them until manholes exist in all the sewers.
RECREATION GROUNDS.
A Drinking Fountain was presented, and erected in the Penge
Recreation Ground, by Mrs. Blundell Maple, and opened by that
lady on the 20th of July. The County Council have not commenced
the work of laying out the Ravensbourne Recreation
Ground; but I understand the construction of the Shorthands and
Nunhead Railway is the cause of the delay.
PARLIAMENTARY SCHEMES, &c.
With reference to the Shorthands and Nunhead Railway, I
had several interviews with Mr. J. Wolfe Barry, the engineer of the
scheme, regarding the conditions as to the bridges and alterations
to sewers and roads. I made several drawings, also a cartoon
showing the manner in which the Railway affected the Ravensbourne
Recreation Ground, &c., and gave evidence in support of
the Bill before the Parliamentary Committee.