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large amouut of ammonia and chlorine and smelt strongly of
urine. In my report for the fortnight ending October 13th, I
stated that: " The condition of the river Lee is by no means
satisfactory, as although the samples I have obtained at Spring
Hill Bridge are not any worse than on the 2nd, they are no
better, and I am informed that the river has smelt badly and more
fish have died. The samples of effluent handed to me were better
than at first, showing that more time had been allowed for undisturbed
precipitation than previously. I am persuaded that
sufficient care is not generally used in this matter. The large
amount of chlorine and the lime in the effluent are doubtless the
chief causes of the death of the fish. The quantity of ammonia
in the effluent is somewhat less than on October 2nd, although
the appearance of the river has become bad, being darker in
color, with much scum floating on the surface." In my next
report I stated that the river had improved, as on November 1st
there was less ammonia and chlorine in the water, and the discoloration
had diminished ; but that the sample of effluent taken
on that day contained a considerable quantity of suspended
matter. I saw one or two fish on the surface of the river, but
no soum except near the Tottenham outfall. From that time to
the end of the year the water improved so that no complaint
was received. I attended the Metropolitan Board of Works
on November 2nd, when a memorial was presented to that Board
askiug for any extension of time during which the Tottenham
effluent might be carried into that Board's system of sewers.
The subject matter of the memorial was ably enforced by the
Chairman of the Sanitary Committee, and an extension of time
up to October 1st, 1889, was granted in accordance with the
request of this Board. Some steps will soon have to be taken
to obtain another extension of time from the London County
Council, and it is to be hoped that they will obtain speedily an
Act of Parliament for permanently carrying the Tottenham
effluent water into their system of sewers and thus diverting it
from the Lee.