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55
THE DISINFECTION OF PUBLIC ROADWAYS.
The systematic washing and cleansing of streets is an important factor in
the preservation of the public health. Owing to the enormous traffic in the City,
this cannot be continuous, but must be carried out in accordance with the
conditions obtaining.
The addition to the water used for flushing and washing the sides of the
streets of a cheap, but effective, disinfectant and deodorizer, is of great benefit.
After many experiments it was found that a mixture of a soluble form of
creosote was the most suitable material to use, and during the hot weather
this was sent out in a concentrated form with every water cart, the charges
being made up in tin cans carried on the top of the cart.
The result was most satisfactory. The roadways remained damp for a
much longer period, and thus less dust was evident, while at the same time
for the usual unpleasant smell of horse droppings, and other decomposing
organic matter, was substituted the pleasant odour of creosote.
The cost was exceedingly small, amounting only to £88 16s. for the year.
LEADENHALL MARKET.
During the hot weather in August and September complaints were made
as to the offensive smells in the Market generally.
On investigation it was found that some amount of nuisance was caused by
the late removal of refuse and offal, and the irregularity of removal of fat,
bones, &c., by the contractor.
It was arranged with the Superintendent of Cleansing to collect in the
Corporation vans all refuse matter before 9 a.m., disinfecting the same as it
was placed in the carts, and to water the roadway regularly with a disinfectant
solution whenever necessary.
Notice was given to the contractor to remove all fat, bone3, &c., from the
shops before 9 a.m., or after 6 p.m., and the Markets Committee were advised
to compel the tenants to provide properly covered metal drums or receptacles
for storing such materials, pending collection, and under their direction the
following Notice was issued :—
23 rd October, 1901.
Complaints having been made to the Corporation, as the Sanitary
Authority, of offensive smells from the Market generally, the Medical
Officer of Health for the City recently causei a special survey to be made,