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118
C. Sanitary Work.
41. Water Supply.—The Water of the Kent Company from
the Plumstead Well was analyzed by the Vestry's Analyst,
Prof. W. R Smith; its condition was found satisfactory.
The Analysis is appended.
42. Sewers.—I found that sewage found its way into the
levels by the White Hart Lane sewer overflow. The Surveyor
on examination discovered that there was an obstruction in
the Cage Lane sewer, which caused the sewage to escape this
way, even wheu there was no great downfall of rain. On my
recommendation that means should be taken to prevent the
possible recurrence of this contamination of the level ditches,
it was decided to construct a new sewer from White Hart
Lane to the main outfall. Plans for this have been prepared.
I may add here that I also reported on the importance of
thorough cleansing of the level ditches, in view of the fact that
their water is drunk by cattle, and that their contamination
may thus lead to infection of the milk supply.
43. Ventilation of Sewers.—In my Annual Reports of former
years, I have referred to the nuisance and danger to health
arising from the manhole ventilators. This question has long
been under discussion. My recommendation was simply to
close the open grids in all places where they were likely to
give rise to a nuisance, and to place shaft ventilators at the
head of sewers of steep gradients; thus aiming at avoiding
any great pressure of sewer gas, but not attempting to get
thorough ventilation of the sewers. The Vestry decided, however,
to try a more complicated and expensive system, viz.:
what is called, I believe, sectional ventilation. Flap valves
are placed in the sewers, at frequent intervals, which prevent