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181
Gullies.
The majority of the present gullies are old brick cesspool gullies and are in a
defective condition, many of them being in unsuitable positions and their number
altogether insufficient, it is proposed to properly arrange for the drainage of the channels
and to provide new Cast Iron Gullies of 19 gallon capacity as required.
Yours obediently,
J. RUSH DIXON, Assoc. M. Inst. C.E.,
Surveyor to the Vestry.
SEWER VENTILATION
With a view to the adoption of some uniform system of dealing with complaints
of offensive emanations from gratings connected with both local and main sewers, a
conference of the Engineers and Surveyors of all the Metropolitan Local Boards was
convened and presided over by Sir Alexander Binnie, the Chief Engineer to the
County Council, in February last, some 40 vestries and district boards being represented,
and after a careful discussion, the following resolutions were adopted by the
conference:—
(1) That the closing of sewer ventilators in response to complaints increases the
general evil, the diminution of which is to be attained by the multiplication
of the ventilators at regular frequent intervals.
(2) That in connection with any interceptor hereafter fixed on a main house
drain, it is advisable to carry up a ventilating pipe from the sewer side of
the interceptor, up the front, side or back of the house to the satisfaction
of the local sanitary authority, and that the outlet drain from the interceptor
shall not be flap-trapped in sewer unless required by the local
sanitary authority.
(3) That pipe ventilators up buildings or otherwise should, when possible, be
always adopted in addition to surface ventilators.
It is very important that the above suggestions should receive the Vestry's
most careful consideration, as it is remarkable what scant means of ventilation exists
in many of the sewers in this parish, and until something more is provided and the
generally prevailing ignorance and objection of the owners and occupiers of premises,
where permission is sought for the erection of vent shafts, is overcome, the many
complaints of nuisance from surface gratings will continue to be received and no
doubt increase with the age of the sewers.
DRAIN VENTILATING PIPES.
In consequence of the fresh air inlets to drains by means of stack pipes erected in
front of the buildings projecting beyond the lines of frontage it was decided by your
Works Committee to issue directions that in future these vent pipes should be placed
in a recess or chase in the wall to prevent encroachment upon the public footway.
EARL STREET SEWER.
The Vestry having received an offer of £100 from Messrs. Bliss towards the cost
of lowering the sewer in a portion of Earl Street, and the requirements of the neigh-
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