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21
on its behalf. Results began to be compared and opinions exchanged,
and then it became apparent that the idea of the advantages
of the Interceptor Trap had been taken up without any real inquiry.
So far as I have been able to discover, Mr. Buchan's theories
seem to have been accepted without question as to whether they
were based on any scientific principle or whether the then new idea
was possible in practice. It is certain the proposal was adopted and
incorporated into the requirements of the Bye-Laws on what now
appears to be very meagre grounds indeed.
Although this point is, I submit, important it has not, so far as
I know, had any influence in the formation of opinion now largely
held to the effect that actual experience has not justified at any rate
all the theoretic advantages claimed.
Whatever the value of the supposed advantages may be, it
cannot be disputed that they are very considerably discounted by
the fact that some very positive disadvantages have developed themselves
which, in point of fact, have caused very serious nuisance as
well as proving of very doubtful value in other respects.
On this point I submit with deference that, apart from the
purely health phase of the matter, some consideration must be given
to the question as to how far in the face of present knowledge we
can in equity continue to insist by the mandatory powers of the
Bye-Law on the provision of an appliance or system that has lead
to serious trouble in many instances.
With a view to arriving at some safe conclusion I have made
inquiries and examined large numbers of Intercepting Traps actually
in use on many drainage systems serving premises of various kinds.
As a result of this examination I found: —
Large numbers of these Traps choked, the Inspection Chambers
containing varying quantities of sewage and filth, some nearly full,
and all forming most perfect but very filthy and disgusting specimens
of modern cesspools.