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containing bacteria capable of producing disease in man as
certified by a competent bacteriologist.
2. The granting of powers to Sanitary Inspectors to take
samples, under the Food and Drugs Acts, at railway
stations, whether or not within their own districts, at which
milk is delivered for consignment within their districts.
The Board of Agriculture, in reply, state that they have no
such power, but that the Local Government Board would
require to amend the general provisions of the Sale of Food and
Drugs Acts for such purposes.
2.—Water.
In June, on account of complaints, samples of the drinking
water supplied by the Southwark and Vauxhall and Lambeth
Water Companies in the Borough were analysed, and declared
by the Analyst to be unfit for drinking purposes, on account of
the increase of orgauic matter. This increased organic matter
was due to the unprecedented heavy rains and floodings, the
filters of the Water Companies being thereby overtaxed, and,
consequently, rendered, for the time being, practically useless,
whilst, in addition, the storm overflow weirs allowed flood water
to pass directly into the mains. The Water Companies were
communicated with. The Analysis shewed as follows :—
Result of Analysis.
Grains per gall.
Chlorine 15
Ammonia 0.0022
Albuminoid Ammonia 0.012
Oxygen consumed by organic matter in
15 minutes 0.1458
Oxygen consumed by organic matter in
4 hours 0.3280
Colour in 2-ft. tube—deep greenish yellow.
Odour at 100 degrees F.—slight.
No case of illness was traced as due, directly or indirectly, to
the drinking of this flood water within the Borough, though careful
enquiries were made at the time.