London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Southwark 1902

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Southwark, Borough of]

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88
tested, which had been shown to be unfair by evidence, and he thought
that the present defendant had very good ground for complaining; he
should, therefore, dismiss the summonses. Whereupon Counsel asked
for 10 guineas costs, which were granted by the Magistrate."
Note.—The matter was fully reported on by Mr. Long to his Committee,
and he advised them to exercise their authority under the
Metropolis Local Management Act and Public Health Act to go in and
uncover the drains for examination, and the Committee passed a resolution
instructing him to do so. Two cases of infectious disease happened in
one of the blocks a few days afterwards. The drains were again " Kemp "
tested, Mr. Long and the Inspector both being present, and were found
extremely offensive. Whereupon Mr. Long gave written notice to the
occupier that after the expiration of twenty-four hours he was coming
in with workmen to uncover the drains. The defendant, having heard
that notice had been served on the occupier, was there first with workmen
to uncover the drain, and found that it was defective in every joint so far
as it was uncovered.
REPORT OF PROFESSOR ROBINSON.
(The plans and drawings referred to have not been reproduced for this
Report).
PONSONBY BUILDINGS.
Parliament Mansions,
Victoria Street,
Westminster, S.W.
November 24th, 1902.
The Health Committee of the Borough of Southwark.
Gentlemen,
In accordance with the instructions of Dr. Millson, your Medical
Officer, I have made a careful examination ot the sanitary condition of
Ponsonby Buildings, the result of which I beg to report to you.
Ponsonby Buildings contain 160 tenements, the occupants at
present numbering 461 persons.
The general arrangement for draining the different tenements is
shown on the accompanying drawing A.
The water closets connect into 5in. iron soil pipes (each taking five
closets) which run up the face of the buildings to a height of between 7
and 8 feet above the floor of the roof, which is flat, and is surrounded by
a 5ft. parapet. These flats are used for washing and drying purposes,
the children playing there. At the ground line the soil pipes are