London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Kensington 1896

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Kensington Parish]

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130
pointed out that in the case of private mews your Vestry can
provide, by notice, for the abatement of any nuisance dangerous
to health arising from the lack of sewer ventilation, and that
steps would be taken with this object. In regard to public
mews it is obvious that conditions which involve danger to
health should not be allowed to continue.
The report was referred to the Sanitary Committee and it
was resolved (November 10th): "That each case be treated on
its merits, and that the Medical Officer of Health be requested
to report from time to time on those mews where, in his
opinion, the sewers should be ventilated by means of shafts."
COMBINED DRAINAGE.
Various Sanitary Authorities made representations to the
County Council in 1894, asking that body to promote 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 aud District Boards, waited
upon the Main Drainage Committee with reference to the
subject. This Committee subsequently (7th July, 1894), came
to the conclusion 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 the 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 words 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