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some cleanliness. Hitherto isolated cases have met with all
the prompt attention desirable, for when it has been discovered
that a foul drain, water-closet, or cesspool lias
existed, any improper accumulation of filth, any defect in
means of cleanliness, they have been cleansed, cleared away,
or altered by the authority of the Vestry. But the information
upon which cleansings have been made, have been
for the most part accidental and fortuitous, the amount of
such work is less than it should have been, and less than
in numbers of our surrounding districts. It is known to
be a grievous defect to have a foul drain, damp walls, &c.,
and I believe that they exist in much greater extent in
Mile End than we are at present aware. To do away
completely with so prolific a source of disease, and attendant
expense and misery, it is only requisite to obtain the knowledge
of the existence of that which, when known, is
acknowledged to be injurious, in a methodical, systematic
manner, instead of depending upon straggling information
for direction. Without a general house inspection it is
impossible to secure the proper entry to, and use of, the
expensive sewers which have been and are now being
constructed. The number of cesspools remaining in the
Hamlet is, I believe, considerable, and as there is no dispute
existing as to the propriety of their destruction, there can be
but little doubt as to the advantage to be gained from
greater readiness in discovering their existence. In endeavouring
to promote by these remarks house inspection, I
believe I am performing a clear act of duty, the nature
of which requires I believe only to be understood to be
disarmed of everything like unpleasantness and, offence to
either proprietors of houses or tenants, both of whom would
eventually be gainers by the results of examination.
Suppose, for instance, that several deaths from contagious
disease, such as fever, are reported to have taken place in a
certain house, the house is then inspected by the officers of
the Vestry in consequence of the event: it is perhaps found