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after an exhaustive enquiry into its possibilities. At the present
moment an artesian well is being sunk in Broomfield Park, and it is
hoped that the volume of water then available will render the lake
suitable for swimming. At any rate, there can be no doubt that
the water so obtained will prove of considerable service in the park
generally.
Rivers and Streams.—Complaints regarding the East Barnet
Valley Sewage Farm and Refuse Dump were somewhat fewer last
year than during 1932, but there is still no reason to believe that the
nuisance has been materially abated. The Southgate Urban District
Council asked permission to send a deputation to the Minister of
Health on this subject, but were informed that such a deputation
would serve no useful purpose and that the East Barnet Valley
Urban District Council were proceeding with the scheme of reconstruction
previously reported. A deputation, however, did visit
the Lee Conservancy Board on the same matter and were assured by
that body that strict measures were being undertaken to prevent
pollution of Pymmes Brook by any sewage effluent. There the
matter has rested, but conditions are still far from satisfactory, and '
we still look forward to the day when this nuisance will be a thing
of the past.
Drainage and Sewerage.—The main arrangements for
drainage, sewerage and sewage disposal were given in detail in the
Report for 1930, and have not been materially altered.
During 1933 several improvements and alterations were once
more made in various parts of the district. A length of the northern
main sewer (almost a mile) was relaid to deal with additional
sewage in that area. Three miles of sewage sewers and three miles
of surface-water sewers were also laid to serve various building
estates in the district.
Closet Accommodation.—Water-closets are in use throughout
the whole district and are connected with the Council's sewers.
There is still one earth closet in the district, which is seldom,
if ever, used.
Cesspools.—The cesspools mentioned in last year's Report
still remain. These serve 25 cottages in the most thinly-populated
parts of the district.
One other cesspool is being constructed to serve a hut now used
as a Boys' Club. Although unsatisfactory in principle, the difficulties
in making connection with a sewer are so great that any
other alternative appears impracticable. The work has not yet
been completed and close watch is being maintained to see that the
Public Health requirements are amply fulfilled.
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