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should be examined by the Works Department, and that it should
be an instruction to the City Engineer to report to the Public
Health Committee on any plan which he may consider to be
unsatisfactory from an engineering and constructional point of
view."
Effluvia from Sewers.—During the dry weather numerous complaints
were received with reference to the offensive smells emanating from the
openings into the sewers at street level. These were referred to the
City Engineer to be dealt with.
Flooding of Basements.—On at least two occasions heavy local storms
led to the sewers being filled to such an extent that in the lower lying
parts of Westminster either there was an inflow from the sewers into
the basements of premises, or the house drains filled up and overflowed
in consequence of the contents not being able to escape into the sewer.
Flooding does not always result when there is heavy rain as the outlets
for storm water into the Thames are generally sufficient unless at the
same time the tide is up or is unusually high. The increase in imperviously
paved streets, and in the use of tar macadam or other material
necessitates the removal by the sewers of a larger amount of the rainfall
which formerly would have soaked into the ground.
Rats.—In a fairly large number of instances complaints were received
that rats had invaded premises. The house drains are examined
and the City Engineer is also communicated with in order that he may
see if there is any defect in the sewer adjoining. In some cases it is
extremely difficult to discover whence the rats come. The pulling down
of old property occasionally disturbs a number of rats who invade the
houses in the neighbourhood.
From the reports of the Engineer it appears that a large number of
dead eyes in the sewers have been bricked up during the year, and in
addition various repairs of the brickwork of the sewers have been
carried out.
Removal of Offensive Refuse.—Complaints were made of offensive
smells in a number of instances occurring during the removal of
kitchen refuse from hotels, &c. One person was cautioned for
removing refuse during prohibited hours and five prosecutions were
taken as follows:—