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45
SEWERS AND DRAINS.
The flushing of sewers and drains is still continued
during the summer and a portion of the winter
months; disinfectants being freely used. This operation
greatly benefits the health of the district by
preventing fœcal matter lying in the sewers and drains
to undergo decomposition, thereby minimising the
danger from sewer gases that would otherwise obtain.
Speaking generally, the Council's sewers are well
ventilated, and very few complaints of sewer emanation
have been received during the past year.
One great difficulty yet to be overcome and which
still continues to cause much strife is the definition
given in the Public Health Acts, of the words "Sewer
and Drains." There are many conflicting decisions.
I should heartily welcome the time when this much
discussed and vital question has disappeared, for it
certainly has a deterrent effect in the carrying out of
much needed improvements.
Legally, the Council may be liable, but morally
they cannot be. To make an authority responsible for
drains on private lands over which they have practically
no control, seems somewhat of an anomaly.
During the year construction of the new deep
Sewer and Pumping Station at Angel Road has been
in progress, but your Engineer has met with considerable
trouble owing to the heavy rainfall.