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31
Report of Inspectors Richards and Jones as to Opening-up md
Examination of Workhouse Drainage.
" In accordance with instructions received, we beg to report that
we have made an examination of the sanitary conditions existing at the
Workhouse and have opened up the drainage system at several points.
The result of the examination is as follows :—
Administration
Block, Bishops
Road.
" On opening up the ground in the basement of these premises, it
was found that the block was drained by means of a 9in. main drain
running underneath the corridor from east to west. This drain was
without proper jointing material, in a very leaky condition, and the
ground underneath the same was found to be saturated and black with
leaky deposit or sewage matter from the drain.
"This 9in. drain, after leaving the building, was connected to the
main drainage system of the Workhouse in the yard next the Relief
Offices at the western end of the administrative block. This main
drain is of 18m., and on it there is in this yard a large manhole.
" When this was constructed there is no doubt that it did contain
what is known as a Mason or Dip trap. This trap in itself has long
.since been condemned as being ineffective and insanitary, and in this
particular instance does not act as a trap at all, as the dip and top have
been removed, in addition to which it is not provided with any airtight
or close-fitting cover, and is therefore practically open and
discharging foul gases at all times.
" In the bottom of this manhole was found to be a large deposit of
sewage matter and filth about 2ft. Gin. deep. In other words, this
manhole and so-called trap is nothing more or less than a cesspool, in
a very offensive condition.
" Returning to the conditions in the administrative block, the
drainage system was opened in several places and was found to consist of
4in. and Gin. pipes running into the 9in. pipe first mentioned. In each
place where these drains were examined, they were found to be withou'