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and although both of these authorities profess to be doing all they
possibly can to deal with the matter, still it was thought that some
recognised authority, having expert knowledge as to the satisfactory
working of the various appliances, might be of assistance to the
Department in dealing with this question. The Council have
accordingly authorised the engagement of such an expert should it
be found necessary.
Water Supply—During the year 90 water supply certificates
have been granted under Section 48 of the Public Health (London)
Act 1891. This number includes 80 houses comprising the
Council's Housing Estate at Charlton. Defective water fittings have
been remedied in 46 cases ; 22 water supplies have been reinstated
where the supply had been cut off ; water fittings have'been amended
in 150 cases ; 23 water supplies have been altered so as to draw
direct from the main ; water supply provided in 9 instances, and
cleansing, repairing and covering cisterns in 8 cases.
House Drainage.—24 drains have been constructed, 138
drainage systems have been reconstructed or repaired; 324 such
systems have also been opened, cleansed and amended; 84 surface
drains have been constructed ; 89 drains and soil pipes have been
ventilated; 160 systems have been tested by smoke, 445 by water, of
which number, 140 were found to be defective ; 35 new soil pipes
and 355 traps have been fixed, together with 59 intercepting chambers
and fresh air inlets, and 87 other chambers. Ventilation has
been improved in 63 cases.
Fifty-four new covers to manholes have been provided. Twenty
systems have been sealed off or slurried up. Thirty-five forecourts
18 areas, 96 yards, 5 mews and stables drained ; 2 cesspools abolished
34 water-closets have been erected; 180 cleansed and repaired;
103 w.c. doors and seats repaired or provided. A pan, trap and
water supply have been furnished throughout in 65 cases; pan and
traps only furnished in 195 cases; pans only in 16 cases, and other
fittings provided or improved in 255 cases, whilst the water supply
has been renewed in 49 instances. Public-house urinals have been
cleansed and repaired in 13 instances; 4 urinals were altered,
12 repaired or water laid on, and 9 constructed.
During the year the Council continued their efforts in urging
the London County Council to include in their next General Powers
Bill, a clause placing the liability upon owners of property for the
cost of repairing or renewing drainage systems up to the point of
connection with the public sewer and in November a communication
was received from the County Council stating they had decided to
insert such a clause in their next Bill which would be before Parliament
in 1924.