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and true results. The question arises, " Is there any better
general test ? " and the answer is '' No, not in the light of our
present knowledge.'' The water test is too severe to
apply indiscriminately in cases of old drains, though it is,
of course, used entirely in cases of new drains—being
applied to them both in sections (in course of construction)
and as a whole (when completed).
Since the Vestry transferred the drainage of new
buildings to the Inspectors (who already had charge of
reconstructions), much extra work has been thrown upon
them, as it must be remembered that many visits are
necessary in connection with each house, visits being
requisite for testing the drainage—whether new or reconstructed—
in sections and as a whole. These extra
duties become serious in the case of large buildings, or
block of buildings, e.g., the South-Western Fever Hospital,
where recently the drainage has been reconstructed,
necessitating an average of not less than two visits a week
by the Inspector—each visit occupying an average of two
or three hours. This work has been going on during the
last twelve months. The South-Western Hospital is mentioned
as the work is in process at the present time,
but many other examples might be given, e.g., Lambeth
Palace, Stockwell Orphanage, Board Schools, etc., whilst
ordinary dwelling-houses necessitate a great amount of
supervision in connection with alterations, improvements,
or additions either of drainage or sanitary fittings and
appliances.
There is a large amount of detail in connection with
the supervising of drainage, in addition to the actual
testing of new work with water, e.g., examination of depth
and quality of concrete bed for pipes, amount of fall, true
alignment of pipes, inspection of each joint, so as to see