View report page

199
The following resolution, adopted on the 8th May, 1895,
embodies the most recent declaration by your Vestry as to the
policy suitable to be adopted, viz.:—
"That in the opinion of the Vestry, it is desirable that legislation should be
promoted which shall have the effect of bringing the Undertakings of
the Water Companies which now supply the metropolis, under the supervision
and inspection, with powers of regulation, of a central body
representing the Ratepayers, by which, in return for the rights conferred
on the Companies, and without hampering their operations within the
area of supply of each, the system of distribution may be rendered
thoroughly efficient in all weathers, and universally intercommunicating."
A communication was addressed to the Royal Commission
in the terms of the resolution, as an expression of the views
of your Vestry on the subject.
constant Supply is now nearly universal ; and that the
public at large are not dissatisfied with the existing arrangements
may be inferred from the absence of complaints. Personally,
I consider that, in quality and condition, the water as
supplied by the three local companies (West Middlesex, Grand
Junction, and Chelsea), is fairly satisfactory. I would not say,
great as have been the improvements already effected, in
regard to filtration and otherwise, that there is not room for
further improvement; and it is to be presumed that the companies
will be required and willing to do whatever may be
necessary for perfecting the supply. I should particularly
welcome one improvement, advocated in these reports for
many years, viz., the adoption of Clark's softening process,
which would, I believe, have a beneficial effect upon the
quality of the water, whilst removing an objection to it upon
economical grounds which was always referred to by the late
Sir Edward Frankland, in his reports appended to the Annual
Summary of the Registrar-General. To sum up, I see no
reason for varying the opinion expressed in many former
reports, that the water supply of the metropolis, from existing
and projected sources, is capable of being made all that can
be desired, so as to satisfy reasonable requirements.