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58
re-opening of the surface ventilators, the London County Council
wished to erect shafts against the neighbouring buildings, opposition
and restrictions were made by firms against the erection of such shafts
upon their premises.
In July I presented to the Public Health Committee a "Special
Report" upon the condition of the sewers in Hackney Wick. I was
satisfied that chemicals were being illegally discharged into the sewers.
I stated that a most alarming and dangerous state of affairs existed,
and owners of factories ought to afford the London County Council
every assistance to erect shafts against buildings, so that another explosion
might be obviated and serious loss of life and damage to
property prevented.
It is well known that some weeks after writing this "Special Report"
during a severe storm a very disastrous and fatal explosion took place
in the neighbourhood of White Post Lane.
In the " Special Report" it was stated—
" It is not generally known what the London County Council
have done, and are doing in respect of sewer work, which no doubt
will benefit the health of the inhabitants of Poplar and West
Ham.
" I understand that a million pounds, if not more, will be spent
for a scheme which will probably take five years to complete, in
order to improve the existing system of main drainage on the North
side of the Thames. Two 9 foot barrel sewers are being constructed
from Barking to Old Ford, and these two sewers will be continued
on as one 10 foot sewer between the high and middle level sewers
to Paddington, or as far as will relieve by gravitation, this will
prevent flooding and overflows into the River Lee at Old
Ford.
" The two new sewers will come over the present ventilating