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housing.
47
the 26 drains which "passed" the chemical test, 3 were subsequently opened up and found to
be defective.
The reconstruction of all the combined systems is needed, and the work was commenced
last year, the mains draining the following blocks of houses being reconstructed before the close
of the year. All the new mains were water-tested :-
Third Avenue, Nos. 178-224 (even).
Fourth ,, ,, 34-40 (even).
Fifth
„ 110-130 (even).
„ 156-170 (even).
rarrant Street, Nos. 56-64 (even).
Ilbert „ „ 20-46 (even).
Kilravock ,, ,, 11-17 (odd).
Peach „ „ 1-29 (odd).
Counsel's opinion was taken during the year as to the possibility of the Council being
able to get rid of future liability for maintenance of drains after amending a combined system.
The gist of counsel's reply appeared to be that if the Council substituted new independent drains
for a combined system, which by default of approval vested in the Council as a sewer, the
Council would be free from all future liability.
Smoke Prevention.- In consequence of complaints received, shafts and chimneys
connected to the following premises were specially kept under observation:-
Usher's Brewery, Queen's Road.
Hydraulic Works Great Western Railway.
Electric Light station
Cafe, 180, Edgware Road.
„ 25, Queen's Road.
In all, 122 separate observations were taken, extending over 65½ hours. Much black
smoke was reported at Usher's Brewery and at the Hydraulic Works. Proceedings were
taken with respect to the Brewery, and a Prohibition Order obtained with five guineas costs.
Canal Boats Acts.-The usual report of the Examining Officer was submitted to the
Council on 17th February last. There was nothing in the work of the year calling for special
comment. Three cases of infectious illness, viz., one each of smallpox (erroneously diagnosed),
chicken-pox and erysipelas, and five deaths were recorded among the people working the
boats.
The amendment and codification of the Acts are being discussed. The reforms most
needed are: (1) the exclusion of children above the age of five years from the boats; (2)
alteration in the manner of determining the number of persons to inhabit the cabin.
Canals.-The only complaint received relating to the canal water was that from the
London County Council, based on chemical analysis of samples taken in July last. The
sample was from the "Cut" (Paddington Basin) opposite one of the wharves. The "Cut"
was emptied at Easter, when about 500 tons of mud were taken from the bottom, and quantities
of water were drawn off periodically to bring in a supply from the upper reaches of the Canal.
Wharves.-The various wharves have been frequently and systematically inspected
during the year. No complaints have been made with reference thereto.
HOUSING.
It is proposed to deal with this subject under the following heads:-
(i). Houses let in lodgings;
(ii). Common lodging houses;
- (iii). Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1890, and amending Acts.
Houses Let in Lodgings.-Two Inspectors were placed in charge of the registration
and general supervision of houses let in lodgings. These Inspectors do not, at present, deal
with defects of a constructional character. Such matters are handed over to the District
Inspectors, so as to leave the two Special Inspectors more time in which to attend to
registration.