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58
SANITARY DEFECTS AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE.
All premises where infectious disease was notified were inspected with
reference to drainage, soil and waste pipes, water-closets, water supply,
ventilation, &c., and of the 71 cases investigated in 1908, it has been
necessary to entirely reconstruct the sanitary system in 8 instances, and
to make amendments to soil, waste pipes, and W.C's in 34 others.
HOUSE REFUSE REMOVAL.
The City Engineer informs me that the refuse removed from the City in
1908 consisted of 28,712 cartloads of street sweepings and slop, and 52,758
loads of house and trade refuse. Total, 81,470 loads. The use of the
Destructor was discontinued in September, 1905, since which date all refuse
has been removed by barge from Letts' Wharf to the Corporation land on
Hornchurch Marshes, where it is dealt with.
SUMMER FLUSHING OF COURTS.
All courts and narrow passages throughout the City were regularly
flushed during the summer months under the direction of the City Engineer,
who informs me that in this service and the washing of the main streets last
year no less than 75,581,011 gallons of water were used. Disinfectants
were also freely applied where necessary.
The condition of the approaches to Billingsgate Market and the Custom
House, as heretofore, required special attention, there having always been a
difficulty in keeping the thoroughfares in the neighbourhood of these places
free from the nuisance caused by the drippings from the fish carts, especially
in hot weather.