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64
LIMEWHITING OF COURTS.
There are ninety-six courts and narrow passages in various parts of the
City, the walls of which, unless cleansed regularly, become dirty and
unsightly through the traffic of passengers or vehicles and the action of a
smoke-laden atmosphere. These are cleansed or limewashed twice a year
under the direction of the City Engineer. Of the places so dealt with
during 1909, 24 were situated in the East district, 39 in the middle district,
and 33 in the West district.
USE OF SALT IN THE REMOVAL OF SNOW.
On the 26th January, 1909, the question having been raised as to
whether it was desirable to continue the practice of using salt in the removal
of snow from the thoroughfares, the Sanitary Committee requested me to
consider the matter, and report thereon.
In discharging this reference I pointed out that it was apparent to
everyone that this practice caused the roadways and footpaths to be covered
with a liquid mass of bitterly cold and dirty slush. The more rapidly the
snow reaches this condition the more effectively is the salt doing its work,
and thus the more readily are the cleansing staff able to clear the surface of
the public thoroughfares.
Approval of the use of salt, however, must be subject to this reservation,
viz.:—That it should only be used when sufficient labour can be obtained for
promptly cleansing the roads and footpaths. With regard to the main
objections that are generally taken to the use of salt for dissolving the snow,
these are—
(i.) That it causes damage to boots.
(ii.) That horses hoofs are injured thereby.
(iii.) That it is dangerous to health in the case of persons badly shod.
As to (i.) and (ii.) I believe that the damage to footwear is largely
exaggerated, and I have it on good authority that it does not appear to have
any injurious effect upon horses' hoofs.
With regard to (iii.) the case is different. It must cause great discomfort,
and may in some cases cause actual harm to those who are badly shod to have
to walk through a mixture that may reach a temperature of five degrees
below zero Fahrenheit, and this evil cannot be disregarded in considering the
question which has been discussed again and again by public authorities.
The late Commissioners of Sewers paid great attention to the question of
snow removal, and in 1867 went so far as to offer premiums to those