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38
comparing the following analyses of the water made during the
year with those during 1896. In consequence of the above complaints
the Public Health Committee after much consideration presented
the following report to the Vestry :—
POLLUTION OF THE RIVER LEA.
Gentlemen,—Your Committee have to report that the question of the
continued pollution of the River Lea and its tributaries, has had their
serious consideration for some time past. Samples of the river water have
been taken and analysed from time to time, and the result of these analyses
which have been submitted to the Vestry, show conclusively, that sewage
contamination of the river is going on from some source or another. Copies
of these analytical reports have been forwarded to the Local Government
Board, the London County Council, and Lea Conservancy Board; but
beyond a formal acknowledgement, your Committee are unaware of any
action having been taken to remedy the existing state of things. This subject
has engaged the attention of the Vestry in the past, and its action
thereon has been productive of very good results, but it has again become
necessary that active steps should be taken for dealing with this growing
evil.
With this object, your Committee held a meeting in July last to consider
the subject, when delegates were present from the Limehouse and
Poplar Board of Works; these bodies are both willing to join with
Hackney in the matter. It was then felt that a more representative Conference
might be arranged ; and it was decided to adjourn until Wednesday,
13th October next, for this purpose. In the meantime, the following have
been invited to attend :—
Members of Parliament and London County Councillors for Hackney,
Limehouse, Poplar, and Mile End Old Town. Three delegates each from
the Essex County Council, Leyton Urban District Council, Walthamstow
Urban District Council, Poplar and Limehouse Boards of Works and the
Vestry of Mile End Old Town.
In asking the Vestry's approval to the steps already taken in this matter,
your Committee beg to say that every effort will be made at the forthcoming
Conference towards devising some scheme for dealing effectually with this
long standing nuisance.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
HENRY HULLAND, Chairman.
22nd September, 1897.