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6
meter principle. If, through faulty fittings, an owner or
occupier is obliged to pay a higher rate, the fittings are
soon seen to.
From a strictly hygienic standpoint there is no such
thing as waste of water, so long as the waste goes directly
into the drains; leakages into walls or basements is a
different matter. The more water a town uses, the better
for health. The water supply of the Metropolis should be
practically unlimited; if the present sources are not
sufficient, then they must be supplemented with others.
Possibly at some future time, we shall see the water of
the Channel brought into London for certain municipal
purposes and thus economise legitimately the ordinary
supply.
The Collection of Household Refuse.
The ordinary Ratepayer probably is absolutely
ignorant of the great practical difficulties of this question.
The number of available contractors who have invested
several thousands of pounds in the requisite plant, depots,
and wharves may be counted on the fingers. An advertisement
for tenders year by year is only replied to by this
limited number, hence, so far as getting tenders, a dozen
halfpenny postcards would have the same effect as public
advertisement. The limited number of contractors favours
combination and all kinds of private arrangements. Capital
has always endeavoured to take care of its own interests, and
always will. The net result is that the Council has to make
the most advantageous bargain it can, but can never be
master of the situation. Any breakdown in the arrangements
for the collection of refuse is certainly not the fault of
the governing body or of the Public Health Committee.
The latter body, since its term of office, has never failed at
each meeting to consider any complaints, and, where no
proper explanation of neglect has been given, to inflict fines
under the contract.
A private individual under such circumstances, would,
within three months, have provided depots and plant, and