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7
in the centre of the roads. No open ventilating manholes
should, however, I think, be allowed in courts, alleys, or
narrow streets, but such manholes should be closed and
ventilating pipes of sufficiently large calibre run up adjoining
property—one at least from the top end of the sewer, where
practicable.
In conclusion, when a grid is complained of, let the
inspector be satisfied as to the bona-fides of the complaint
(for closed grids and shafts unconnected with sewers have
in my experience, been complained of before now), and then
let the offending grid be treated on its merits, on lines
similar to those which I have laid down, e.g., by flushing,
by removal of deposits, by making more openings into the
same sewer or by erection of large-sized shafts for compensatory
ventilation with or without closure of the manholes,
as may be found necessary. I am not aware, speaking
generally, that the open grids in Lambeth have proved a
danger to the public health. Statistics would seem to
point to the contrary.
I append the conclusions arrived at by the Conference of
Engineers and Surveyors of the various Metropolitan
Vestries and District Boards, and the resume of the three
Reports presented to the London County Council by Mr.
J. Parry Laws and Dr. Andrews.
Joseph Priestley,
February 6th, 1899. Medical Officer of Health.
Resume of Three Reports on Sewer Air
Acting on the instructions of the Sanitary Committee, I
have prepared an abstract of the three following Reports