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45
to bring the underground bake-houses into conformity with the requirements
of the Borough Council prior to the granting of the necessarycertificate
on January 1st, of the current year. A considerable amount
of work was undertaken in reference to the 20 underground bake-houses,
which are now duly certificated, and the effect has been a very great
improvement in the sanitary condition of these premises. Only one
underground bake-house was closed.
THE FLOODING OF BASEMENTS WITH SEWAGE.
Fourteen years ago the London County Council (who had then
only been in existence for about eight months) instructed the Main
Drainage Committee to secure the services of an eminent Civil Engineer
to join the Engineer of the Council in a thorough examination of the
whole sewerage system of the Metropolis.
About 14 months afterwards Sir Benjamin Baker and Sir Alexander
Binnie reported and recommended certain works, including new
outfall sewers, at an estimated cost of over a million pounds.
About two months afterwards the London County Council adopted
the Report and ordered detailed plans to be prepared, as the works
"were of so urgent a character that no delay should take place in carrying
them out."
Nothing, however, was done for another four and a half years,
when the Main Drainage Committee recommended that the works
should be carried out. An Amendment was, however, carried in the
following terms: "That the general enlargement of the main drainage
system is not now necessary, but that local floodings need immediate
attention."
About two years after this, in response to a deputation from the
Metropolitan Sanitary Authorities, the Engineer to the London County
Council was instructed to again report. This he did 15 months afterwards,
and in his Report he recommended work at an estimated cost
of over one and a half millions.