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114
Ranelagh Sewer, which was originally constructed
to take surface water from open lands, and
now drains a densely populated area. Beyond this
there is the question of the sufficiency and efficiency
of the existing road gratings. There can be but little
doubt that these should be supplemented by a number
of high columns to act as outlets, the surface gratings
being inlets. It is now becoming common to light
the streets by electric lamps on high standards in the
middle of the roadway, and it does not appear to be
impracticable to suggest that such standards might be
used as upcast shafts for sewer ventilation.
Vagrancy.—It has been recently suggested that
the duty of supervising common lodging-houses should
be transferred from the London County Council to the
Local Authorities, the Council to remain as a central
licensing authority with power to enact bye-laws, &c.,
for their good governance. The suggestion would
appear to indicate that the substitution of the Council
for the Police had not been a success. The proposed
transference means increased work for the Department.
The Guardians have not yet erected new Casual Wards.
The old set were re-opened for the winter, after being
closed throughout the summer.
The Final Report of the Royal Commission on
Vaccination contains suggestions for the more systematic
supervision of vagrants, whether in common
lodging houses or in casual wards. In the latter case,
the Poor Law Officials would be charged with the