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9
There is one subject in connection with surface cleansing that
I wish particularly to advert to, viz.:—That it will be my purpose
to make a systematic arrangement for the enforcement of the duties
of the scavengers, and the removal of the street sweepings collected
by them.
I am induced to bring this matter before you, inasmuch as I
have had frequent observations made to me of the neglect or want
of method exercised in carrying out their duties; and more
particularly I would bring to your notice the disinclination on the
part of the Contractor for Greenwich, amounting almost to a
refusal, to remove such rubbish excepting at such times as suited
his convenience. I have myself noticed that this street refuse has
been allowed to remain in heaps two or three days after the
scavengers have completed their work. It must therefore be
evident to you that the arrangements you have made with the
Contractor have been virtually neglected.
In Deptford, I am informed that no Contractor has been
employed to remove this rubbish, but that it has been swept
together and removed in wheelbarrows to the nearest vacant spot
suitable to the men employed.
For the purpose of surface cleansing, therefore, I would
recommend—
That the scavengers be at once placed under the superintendence
of the Inspectors; that a sufficient number should be employed
in each parish to sweep and thoroughly cleanse the surface of the
whole District once in every week. When I recommend the
cleansing of the whole District but once in each week, I only wish
to apply that observation as a general rule, inasmuch as there are
many streets and many localities which, at certain seasons of the
year, I consider absolutely necessary should be swept at least twice
in every week; and which localities I shall feel it my duty to point
out to the Inspectors as soon as I have examined each in detail.
I cannot too strongly impress upon you the importance of
enforcing upon the Contractor the conditions of your agreement
with him, and giving positive orders that he shall, in every instance,