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48
6 vendors carrying on their trade in this Borough, but living in
neighbouring boroughs. Notices were sent on notifying these cases
to the Medical Officer of Health of the Borough concerned. At the
time of writing the whole of the ice-cream premises are undergoing
inspection.
RIVER LEA.
During the year 1903 the River Lea gained in some measure from
the abnormal atmospheric conditions which prevailed during the
summer of that year. The low temperature of the summer months,
in spite of the large quantity of sewage matter poured into its backwaters,
reduced putrefaction to a low point. The excessive and
constant rainfall acted in the same beneficent way by constant
flushing of the river branches. The total result has been an almost
complete absence during the summer months of 1903. of any
complaints of nuisance from the river.
In my last year's Report I stated that a drainage scheme for the
Lea Valley was under consideration. The matter now remains at a
standstill, and will, no doubt, remain so, until hot and dry weather
cause the river to resume its old offensive state.
FLOODS IN THE CLAPTON PARK DISTRICT.
The year 1903 was remarkable for its rain-fall. During this year
no less than 36-84 inches of rain fell in the London area. While this
on the whole appears to have had a beneficial effect upon public
health, it has not been without some disadvantages. On the 13th
June the fall of rain was so great that in certain parts of the Borough
the sewers were surcharged and in one district where basements
existed, sewage was forced back through gulleys in the basement
areas flooding the living rooms on that level. The following is a list
of houses so affected :
No. 256, Millficlds Road—2ft. of water in cellar.
Nos. 241 to 295, and 306 to 322, Glyn Road—Water under floors,
through air bricks and over door sills.