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43
DRAINAGE WORK.
This work is receiving the same careful attention as in
previous years.
That residents are convinced of the necessity, from a
health point of view, of efficient drainage is evidenced by
the number who yearly make application for the drains of
their premises to be tested. These applications receive
attention, and where defects are found notices are served
upon the owners to secure the necessary remedial works.
A great deal of time is taken up in carrying out this
branch of sanitary work, as the testing, taking up and relaying
of a single drain necessitates numerous visits to give instructions,
supervising work in progress, and testing the new
lengths of drain.
Two houses have been reported upon as being without
drains sufficient for the effectual drainage thereof. Resolution
was passed in each instance authorising me to serve notices
under Sec. 23 of the Public Health Act, 1875, to provide
sufficient drainage and connect with the main sewer.
Nine drains were reported upon and examined under Sec.
41 of the Public Health Act, 1875, while the remaining drains
were smoke tested.
The total number of drains to houses and other premises
reconstructed during the year was 31.
Eleven houses were found to be without sufficient watercloset
accommodation. In each instance this accommodation
was provided.
The work of supervising the reconstruction of these drains
has received careful attention, and repeated visits were made
to the premises while the works were in progress. In carrying
out this construction work 817 yards of glazed earthenware
pipes, 48 gullies, 10 intercepting traps, 22 pedestal, etc.,
water-closets, 6 soil pipes; 20 ventilation shafts were fixed
and 33 manholes built; the number of tests applied to the
drains being 109 water tests and 19 smoke tests.
The following is a list of the premises the drains of which
have been relaid under my supervision :—