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in mud; that in these same localities there does not exist a single
gutter to convey away the refuse water from the houses, the whole
of which is thrown over the streets, and there allowed to evaporate;
and that, as a consequence, the inhabitants themselves are of the
most dirty and filthy character, pale-looking, and constantly inhaling
the effluvia from their own filth. How, I would ask, can these
people be expected to take pride in themselves and their habitations,
when the public streets are so much neglected? As instances of
these remarks, I would mention that there are many streets and
thoroughfares in the Parish of St. Paul, Deptford, which are in the
state I have described, and which I shall bring to your notice in
the subsequent part of this Report.
On going through the Parish of St. Nicholas, and comparing
its present state with its condition some two or three years since,
I cannot but congratulate the parishioners on the improvement
which has taken place in that Parish: and great credit is due to
two or three Gentlemen (members of your Board) for the attention
they have given towards its better condition: but, still, much
remains to be done, particularly in the formation of gutters to
convey away the surface water. The drainage, ventilation, &c., of
that Parish is also very defective, to which I shall call your
attention in my future Reports.
The plan of laying down flat pavement for the gutters, lately
adopted in many parts of Greenwich, has been of essential service
in removing much unwholesome refuse, and facilitating the work of
the scavengers; and such a plan I would recommend to be carried
out generally through the District, with such expedition as the
finances of the Board will admit of.
As a matter of course, these last operations that I have brought
forward must extend over a considerable period, and must naturally
involve a great expense; but the necessity for these improvements
appears to me to be so urgent that I cannot refrain from recommending
your Board to lose no time in devising plans for the
execution of such works. On my part, neither time nor care shall
be wanting in seeing that your projects are carried out efficiently;