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drains were ventilated except through these rainwater pipes, the
heads of many of which were in close proximity to windows. The
drains were carefully tested and found in such a defective condition
as to require entire re-construction.
The W.C. accomodation for the children was situated in the playground
and consisted of old, unglazed, iron trough-closets, flushed
by hand, and of such construction as to render proper cleansing
impossible.
The matter was reported to the Sanitary Committee, and on May
the 8th notices under the Public Health Act were served on the
School Authorities. These notices resulted in much correspondence,
and ultimately plans for the entire reconstruction of the drainage
system were laid before the Sanitary Committee and approved.
The School rose for the Summer Vacation on July 22nd, and I
quite expected that the work would be immediately put in hand;
nothing, however, was done, and finding that the usual arrangements
preparatory to the re-assembling of the pupils were being made, I
wrote the following letter:—
"To G. H. Croad, Esq.
"Dear Sir,
Turin Street Board School
"I understand the drainage works at this School will shortly be
put in hand. I shall be glad to know what course the Board
proposes to adopt with reference to the reopening of the School as
I am informed that the usual preparations are being made for the
reception of the pupils.
"I am strongly of opinion that the School should not be used
whilst the drainage works are in progress, as I believe it would be
disastrous for children to be congregated in the immediate vicinity
of a large number of open drains.
"As you are aware Diphtheria is widely prevalent in the Metropolis,
and the occupation of the School whilst this work is in
progress would certainly induce a state of health amongst the
children attending, such as would render them most likely to
contract the disease.