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9
In view of the events of the past year, the figures are most
gratifying. The extent to which voluntary charities have been
used cannot be definitely stated, as no returns can be obtained
from the London hospitals.
Sanitary Circumstances.
Water Supply.—The town itself is supplied by the South
Essex Water Company, and no complaint as to the quality of the
supply has been made. The rural part of the district is supplied
by wells. In two cases contamination was detected and a notice
was served on the owner to provide a proper water supply. The
matter is still pending.
Rivers, &c.—Some complaint was made during the warm
weather of offensive odours arising from the sediment left opposite
the Town Quay, when exposed at low water. A more frequent
cleansing of the basin seems desirable.
Drainage and Sewerage.—The question of drainage and
sewage disposal has received attention. Information is being
collected, and will be submitted at a suitable opportunity.
Closet Accommodation.—The whole town is on the water
carriage system with the exception of 61 cesspools, 19 pail
closets, and 42 privies. The latter are in the rural parts of the
district.
Scavenging.—The owners of property are required to
supply and maintain a suitably covered receptacle for house
refuse, which is collected once weekly by the Council's own
workmen. The district is worked by two gangs, each under a
working foreman.