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Such, more than a quarter of a century ago, were the views
expressed on this subject. In substance, and as far as they
go, these are the views of the Engineers and Surveyors
of to-day. Let us hope that the influence of these gentlemen
will prevail ; and that the sanitary authorities in the metropolis,
following the advice of their responsible advisers, will,
by trapping of offensive gullies, and by proper ventilation of
sewers, speedily bring to an end a disgusting nuisance inimical
alike to health and comfort.
COMBINED DRAINAGE.
/
Several of the metropolitan sanitary authorities made
representations to the County Council, in 1894, on the need of
legislation "with a view to an alteration in the definition of
the word drain and the word sewer" in the Metropolis Management
Act, 1855 (sec. 250); and ultimately a deputation,
representing a large majority of the Vestries and District
Boards, waited upon the Main Drainage Committee with
reference to the subject. This committee subsequently (7th
July, 1894), reported that "a grievance exists, and that a
heavy responsibility is thrown upon the local authorities to
repair combined drains which were laid down for the benefit
of the owners of houses, and with the intention that the
owners should be held responsible for their maintenance."
Having carefully considered the matter, the committee came
to the conclusion that " the Council should, as the central
authority, promote legislation in accordance with the views of
the local authorities, and upon their recommendation it was
resolved: "That the Council do apply to Parliament for an
amendment of the definition of the word sewer and drain
in the Metropolis Local Management Act, in the way desired
by the local authorities, and that it be referred to the Parliamentary
Committee to prepare a public bill, and take such
other steps as may be necessary for that purpose." Such a