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93
"Generally.—From the details contained in the foregoing
report, it will be seen that a good deal of the old drainage is in an
insanitary condition, and that many of the internal sanitary
arrangements are more or less faulty; but this does not justify
the recommendation contained in Mr. Young's Report, which is
to the effect that "anything short of an entire re-construction of
the drainage, waste and soil-pipes, and most of the sanitary
fittings, will not meet the case." I may point out that the notice
from the Vestry, under the Public Health (London) Act, 1891,
does not go as far as Mr. Young's very comprehensive recommendations.
The exact terms of the notice are "to abate the
same by executing such works as may be necessary to put the
drains in sound and water-tight condition, providing means of
inspection and ventilation thereto, and further to take the
necessary steps to prevent syphonage of traps of slop-closets, &c.,
and provide proper and sufficient supply of water to water
closets, also to remedy defective soil-pipes and slop-closet waste
pipes."
"I think that the terms of this notice will be fairly met if the
defects which I have described in the drainage and other sanitary
arrangements are remedied. So far as the old drainage is
concerned, its defective condition is so serious that I am sure
the Guardians would have this rc-constructed without any
pressure from the Vestry, now that they have been made aware
of the facts, nor will this be either a very extensive, or very
costly undertaking."
It will be seen from the report of the Architect that
he apparently did not agree with the Chief Inspector's
general condemnation of the drains, as it was made upon
examination of the system at very few points. It is a fact he did
not for the purpose of examination and testing break open the
ground, etc., (which would have been both costly and unnecessary)
in order to ascertain the condition of the drains which is shewn
by the Architect's own findings and recommendations not to have