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periodical cleansing of cisterns for potable water, These
receptacles, moreover, should be covered, to exclude light
and dirt; and so placed that the water may be kept cool in
summer, without being in danger of freezing in winter. The
Public Health (London) Act, 1891 (sec. 50), conferred power
on the Sanitary Authority to make bye-laws for the cleansing
of cisterns, and this has been done.
Other Requirements.—When "constant supply"
is given, a screw-down draw-off trap should be affixed to the
rising main, or service pipe, so that the water for drinking
and culinary purposes may be drawn therefrom, fresh and
uncontaminated, without the intervention of cisterns, which
are requited for washing, flushing, baths, and similar purposes.
A stop-valve, moreover, should be fixed outside the premises
to prevent damage to the house in case of pipes burst by
frost or other causes, and this is now generally done.
CuttinG-OFF Powers.—I have had occasion more
than once in these reports, to express dissatisfaction with
regard to the power of the companies to cut off the domestic
supply of water for non-payment of the rate, and have
expressed the view that they should be left to their remedy,
like oth6r traders, for the recovery of debts, in course of law.
The companies can, if they think fit, require prepayment of
the rate. Any course would be preferable to the barbarous
one of cutting off the supply, which, I doubt not, will, ere
very long, be prohibited by law—suitable provision being
made to secure to the companies requisite facility for enforcing
their legal rights. My views, familiar enough to your
Vestry, are also, I believe, well known to the Water Companies,
one of which, last year, took a step in the right direction,
worthy of all praise, and of the enlightenment by which
the conduct of its business has for many years been characterised.
I refer to the East London Water Company, which,
it will be remembered, also took the lead in respect of the