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138
in the sewer are much more offensive than those in the drains
discharging into them. The Committee recognises this, and is of
opinion that in such cases intercepting traps may be needful, (b)
Observations have shown that in practice the forcing of an intercepting
trap does not occur until the opening of its own connection
with the sewer is first submerged—that is, until the main
body of sewer air is cut off; (c) as to the trap leading to drain
stoppages, this is less a fault of the system than of its application,
and is often due to the faulty laying of drains above the traps,
defective sewer connections, bad forms of trap, and the employment
of too large traps; (d) it is important to do what is possible
to prevent infected drain air at one house from entering the
drains of another house; (e) they are generally effective in keeping
sewer rats from the house drains.
Sanitary Authorities who are guided by the results of this
inquiry will insist upon intercepting traps in special cases; but as
a general rule will consider the drawbacks attaching to the trap
to outweigh the advantages if the drain connections and the
sewerage system of the district are in good order.
FOOD INSPECTION.
The amount of unwholesome food seized in Stoke Newington
is very small, even when regard is had to the size of the Borough.
On the other hand, a not inconsiderable amount of unwholesome
food has been surrendered for destruction during the year, the
particulars of which are shown in the Report of the Chief Sanitary
Inspector. It is to be hoped that in the near future all obviouslyunsound
food will be thus surrendered.
Hitherto the Government has done but little to safeguard the
public health against the dangers of Tuberculous milk. As I have
stated in a former Report, the provisions called for in the interests
of the public health embrace: (a) The veterinary inspection of all
milch-cows; (b) the compulsory notification by the owner of every