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The water overflowed both banks of the river, a part of the
North Millfield, and also the marshes on the eastern side. The river
overflowed in a similar manner in the spring of the year 1897,
flooding the same houses, and causing the same damage and danger
to health. I then pointed out that the overflow of the river would
recur, and render the houses in this locality unfit for habitation. The
actual cause of the flood is not quite known, but it is believed the
raising of the level of the adjacent marsh lands has helped to cause
their more frequent recurrence.
I reported these circumstances to the Public Health Committee,
and expressed the opinion that the cause of these recurring floods
was complex, and required a searching enquiry to elucidate them, and
that probably the London County Council if approached would
undertake such an enquiry with a view to enforcing such measures
as would prevent the occurrence of future floods.
I believe an investigation was made by the Council, but as yet
without any practical result. It is quite certain that if future flood
cannot be prevented, the houses bordering the river will have to be
closed; for I have no hesitation in stating that dwellings subject to
casual flooding are unfit for habitation.
CANAL BOATS ACTS, 1877—1894.
The Inspector appointed to examine the canal boats on the
waterways through Hackney reports that he inspected 93 boats
during the year. Of these 83 were found to conform to the
regulations, but in eight instances infringements were observed.
The latter are as follows :—
Certificate did not indentify owner 3 cases.
Marking of boat defective or absent 2 cases.
Certificate absent 3 cases.
In addition to these, one cabin was not sufficiently ventilated, and
in six others the cabins required painting.
CUSTOMS AND INLAND REVENUE ACT, 1900.
During the year I granted three certificates to the same number of
owners under the provisions of this Act. The total number of
tenements covered by these certificates was 54.