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may be the result of diminished overcrowding. But it must
be remembered too, that diminished overcrowding means
smaller population, and that probably, therefore, the estimated
death-rate appears to be lower than it really is. This possible
error, however, does not affect the infantile death-rate.
86. Infirmary drains.—By request of the Guardians, the
drains of the Infirmary were tested by the smoke test, and the
Chief Sanitary Inspector reported fully on the result. His
report shewed that, although the plan and gradients of the
system of drainage at the Infirmary is satisfactory as far as he
found, the joints of the drain pipes, the gullies, manholes and
inspection pits were generally faulty. On this report, I recommended
the construction of four new manholes, the reconstruction
of the defective inspection pits and gullies, and the relaying
of a considerable portion of the drains.
The manholes and gullies have been completed as advised,
but only a portion of the drains that I recommended to be
relaid were done.
87. Drainage of All Saints Sctiools.—The Chief Inspector
was also occupied with the defective drainage of All Saints
Schools. After some delay the drains were re-constructed in a
satisfactory manner.
88. Underground Dwelling Booms.—Thirty very insanitary
underground rooms, chiefly in Spray Street, were found by
Inspector Ranee, to be used as living rooms. I inspected all
of them, and was of opinion that they were unfit for habitation.
As they were occupied along with rooms above ground, they
could not be closed under Sec. 96 of the Public Health Act,
but on the ground that the use of such rooms rendered the
house unfit for occupation, action might be taken under Part
II. of the Housing of the Working Classes Act for closing the