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and rain-water pipes directly connected with the drains is also
diminishing every year, and these also were chiefly met with on
premises visited on complaint. The total number of nuisances
abated in 1890, arising from defective drainage, was 1,758.
The paving of many of the yards was very defective so that
it was necessary to have it relaid or repaired on 552 premises.
The defective state chiefly arose from the tenants chopping wood
or otherwise improperly using the paving, and a similar remark
applies to dustbins, but to a greater extent, as new bins, or
large pails were provided at 918 houses. Whitewashing and
cleansing of houses were not required in so many instances as
usual, viz., 1,738 against 2,132 in 1889, in consequence of the
diminished number of inspections of small houses, the same
remark applies to leaky roofs, viz., 448 in 1890, against 561 in
1889. The defects in the water supply apparatus to water-closets
numbered 926 in 1890, against 1,027 in 1889. These figures
show, I think, the necessity for regular inspection of small
property as the percentage of nuisances varies but little every
year, and consequently the omission of an inspection would,
unless complaints were made here, entail the existence of these
nuisances in poor houses for a comparatively indefinite time. In
addition to these, 183 notices were served on houses where the
water had been cut off, for defective fittings, requiring the owner
to have it laid on again and with successful results. In connection
with the sanitary work I have to mention with very
much regret the sudden death of Mr. Edwin Sortwell. He was an
active, energetic, willing and painstaking man, who carried out
his duties to my satisfaction, so that I have missed him considerably
in the sanitary work. His brother, Mr. W. Sortwell,
has also been ill twice during the year, as certified by his
medical attendant, from excess of work; and Mr. Punter also
has been absent from the same cause.
In connection with the sanitary work, I would mention that
12 houses have been closed at Lea Bridge, and subsequently
pulled down without expense to the district, also 6 houses at
Abney Gardens. Several houses have also been closed owing to
the non-abatement of nuisances existing therein, but were reopened
when the necessary work was done. The action was
taken in all instances under the Nuisances Eemoval Acts.