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25
REPORT.
"Since the last meeting of the Committee, Inspectors Richards
and Jones have devoted as much time as is possible consistent with
carrying out the other duties of the office to making an examination
and report upon the conditions existing at the Workhouse and
Guardians' Offices in Bishops Road.
" So far as the matter has gone there can be no doubt that in
many respects the existing conditions and fittings are in an insanitary
condition. Some of the w.c.'s, fittings, soil pipes, and the like are of
modern construction, and in certain cases it would not appear necessary
that these should be interfered with. It is. however, impossible to
ascertain and report fully as to the condition of the main or branch
drains underground from a mere surface examination. It will be
necessary that the drainage system shall be opened at various points
and examinations and tests made, and there is ample justification for
this being done disclosed by the Inspectors' examination so far as it
has gone.
" In several cases it may be mentioned that rain-water pipes and
sink waste pipes are connected with the drains or soil pipes without
being trapped. There are also stoneware pipes trapped at the foot
with ventilating gratings on the footpaths or passages, and when
these water-closets are flushed the foul air is driven through the said
gratings under the noses of passers by or into the doors and windows
immediately over. These soil pipes receive several w.c.'s on each
stack from various floors, and in addition to the other defects mentioned
are unprovided with anti-syphonage pipes.
" Stoneware soil pipes and the conditions so far disclosed are not
recognised as sanitary fittings or in accordance with the requirements
of the Bye-Laws of the London County Council. One of the soil pipes
is in fact partly of lead, part of iron, and part stoneware.
" As to w.c.'s, there are in some cases trough closets and pans of a
wash-out pattern which cannot be described as sanitary or satisfactory.
Some of the vent pipes are only of 3in. light iron and improperly
jointed with putty. The above conditions would apply to the Workhouse
generally.