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macadam to asphalte, or wood-paved. They further observed that, with the question of syphontrapping
of street gullies, was closely involved the question of sewer ventilation, and that until some
solution had been found of the difficulties encountered in dealing with this latter question, they could
not see their way to advise the adoption of the scheme indicated in my report; they recommended
therefore, and it was resolved, that the Vestry "do adhere to the course hitherto adopted of dealing
with each complaint of smells from gullies on its own merits." Means of ventilation surely could
be devised, and I again urge that brick flap-trapped gullies should be displaced generally, by syphontrapped
gullies. The so-called "flap-trap" is not a trap at all in the sanitary sense of an apparatus
for preventing the escape of sewer gas.
COMBINED DRAINAGE.
Several of the metropolitan sanitary authorities made representations to the County Council,
in 1894, on the need of legislation, "with a view to an alteration in the definition of the word drain
and the word sewer," in the Metropolis Management Act, 1855 (sec. 250), and ultimately a deputation
representing the Vestries and District Boards waited upon the Main Drainage Committee with reference
to the subject. This committee reported (July 7th, 1894), that "a grievance exists, and that a heavy
responsibility is thrown upon the local authorities to repair combined drains which were laid down for
the benefit of the owners of houses, and with the intention that the owners should be held responsible
for their maintenance." The Committee further came to the conclusion that "the Council, as the
central authority, should promote legislation in accordance with the views of the local authorities,"
and upon their recommendation it was resolved:—
"That the Council do apply to Parliament for an amendment of the definition of the word
sewer and drain in the Metropolis Local Management Act, in the way desired by the local
authorities, and that it be referred to the Parliamentary Committee to prepare a Public Bill and
take such other steps as may be necessary for that purpose."
Such a bill ("Metropolitan Sewers and Drains") was brought in, on behalf of the Council, in
1896, but it did not become law. The subject is one deserving of further attention, and having
regard to the large interests involved, it would seem desirable that the Borough Councils should take
joint action to promote legislation as the County Council will take no further action in the matter.
SMOKE NUISANCE.
In several instances complaints were made of nuisance from emission of black smoke—by the
Smoke Abatement Society, the London County Council, private persons, and the Sanitary
Inspectors. Cautionary letters were addressed to the occupiers of the premises to which the
complaints related. No further proceedings became necessary.
SANITARY CONVENIENCES.
There are only 19 public urinals in the borough—an inadequate provision, supplemented,
however, by about 170 external urinals at public-houses. This latter accommodation is not of a
satisfactory sort, as a rule, but is better than none: it was improved, moreover, as the result of
proceedings taken by the late Vestry in 1888, and subsequently. There are three sets of public
water closets, for the male sex only, situated, respectively, at Thurloe Place, Brompton; at the rear
of the central public library, Kensington High Street; and at Lancaster Road, adjoining the public
library; and two for both sexes, viz.: at the west end of Westbourne Grove, and at Talbot Road.
Sanitary authorities have power (under section 88 of the Metropolis Management Act, 1855)" to
provide and maintain urinals, water closets, and like conveniences for both sexes in situations where
they deem such accommodation to be required." Increased powers were conferred by the Public
Health (London) Act, 1891, section 44 (2) of which vests the subsoil of roadways in the sanitary
authority, who, moreover, have power to compensate persons injured by the erection of these
conveniences near to their houses, etc.
Domestic Sanitary Conveniences.—The 26th by-law of the County Council requires the landlord
or owner of any lodging-house to provide and maintain in connection with such house, water-closet
accommodation in the proportion of not less than one water-closet for every
twelve persons. And a similar provision is contained in the Borough Council's by-laws for houses
let in lodgings or occupied by members of more than one family. In conformity with these by-laws,
at a considerable number of houses, the inhabitants of which exceed twelve in number, a second
water-closet has been provided. In some instances the owner preferred to reduce the number of
persons to twelve or less, rather than incur the expense of erecting a second closet.