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filled up with road sweepings and dry rubbish, and caused
much annoyance partly inconsequence of the bole containing stagnant
water which gave off an offensive smell. This also was
filled up after considerable trouble. It is much to be regretted
that owners of land can take out gravel, and fill up the hole
thus made with rubbish, close to where the foundations of houses
will be plaoed. This objectionable process not only creates a
nuisance by the carting to and fro, and cutting up the roads,
but is likely to cause injury to the health of the inhabitants
who will occupy the houses hereafter, in consequence of
foul gases being drawn from the heaps into the houses by the
heat of the fire. Some years ago I gave evidence before a
Committee of the House of Commons complaining of this practice,
but without avail.
Fairs.—Several miniature fairs have been opened in the
district by gipsies and others taking possession of pieces of
ground, either with or without the consent of the owners. On
visiting them, I did not find much to complain of in a sanitary
point of view, so that, although causing much annoyance to the
neighbourhood, I could not require their removal in those cases
when rent was paid for the use of the ground, and where
water closets were provided. In two other instances, where rent
was not paid, I communicated with the owner of the land, who
had the vans and people removed immediately. As regards one
piece of ground in Wick-road a notice was served on the owner
to provide sufficient water-closet accommodation, and to keep the
ground clean, both of which have been done. These places
occupy much time, so that I should be glad if they could be
suppressed.
Water Supply.—In consequence of the continued drought
during great part of the year, the water companies shut off
the supply in the night nearly all over the district. On communicating
with the Engineer of the East London Water Works
Company I was assured that it was unavoidable in consequence of
the enormous waste of water, especially at night, as it was a