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even alright, and that with his consent the much more reliable
water test will be applied.
No reflection is cast upon the Surveyor's Department, but as
a matter of policy the transference of the control of the drains to
the Sanitary Department has been found of the greatest advantage.
Since this new arrangement was inaugurated on November 1st,
1896, drainage plans of over 3,000 houses have been carried out
under the supervision of the Sanitary Department, and over
40,000 drains have been tested with chemical, smoke, or water.
The recommendations suggested by the conjoint Sub-Committee
of the Sanitary and Wharf Committees and adopted by the
Vestry on the 9th December, 1897, are fully set out on pages
1662-3 and 1689 of the 1897 Minutes. They have reference to
all descriptions of Trade Refuse (excepting offal, builders' refuse,
and manure) being moved at a uniform charge of twopence per
basket, the Vestry's carman being supplied with a small book
and counterfoil to act as a check for the quantity of refuse removed.
Particulars of such removal were sent round by circular
to grocers, provision dealers, etc.; whilst in respect of Trade
Refuse left in the streets by costermongers, the recommendations
provided for the removal of such refuse systematically by vans
which go round the market thoroughfares once a day on ordinary
days, and thrice a day on market days (Wednesday and Saturday).
Mention may also be made of the action taken by the Vestry
on April 28th, 1898, in connection with a Special Report by the
Medical Officer on "The high death-rates in 1897 in certain districts
in the Parish of Lambeth." Such action has led to much
special sanitary work being carried out, as shown by the following:—
1. The cleansing and frequent sweeping of the streets and
courts in the inner wards; channelling of streets not already
channelled; provision of additional gullies where required; flushing
and cleansing of sewers.
2. The paving or repairing of Cory Square. Commercial