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10
SANITARY WORKS.
Important progress has been made in improving the Sanitary condition of
many parts of the parish where reform was much needed. In pursuance of the
recommendations appended to my weekly statements to the Sanitary Committee, works
directed specially to remove causes of disease have been ordered, relating primarily
to 223 houses. Many of these works will also have a secondary beneficial
influence in promoting the salubrity of adjoining dwellings. These works consist
chiefly—1st, in purifying the soil, as by filling up cess-pools, repairing drains,
paving yards to provide for surface-drainage—2nd, removal of refuse and offensive
matter—3rd, lime-washing, cleansing, and repairing dwellings—4th, in improving
the water-supply and storeage—5th, in remedying defective ventilation.
Your Inspectors, Mr. Ditchman and Mr. Kirkham, have ordered the
abolition of about 120 cesspools; the cleansing and repair of 78 drains ; the
substitution of 76 water-closets for privies; besides numerous other works.
In many cases the owners have willingly executed these works on the
simple recommendation of the Inspectors. In others, however, it has been necessary
to issue authoritative orders.
Great improvements have been made in the surface-drainage of many
parts of the district under the direction of your Surveyor, Mr. Freebody.
Effective surface-drainage is not only important in an economical point of view, but
it is also an essential condition to salubrity. Rain-water fouled by contamination from
many sources by soaking into the Pest-Stratum at the surface keeps up constant
dampness in the dwellings, and favors the continual generation of malaria. If the
Pest-Stratum laden as it is with putrifiable organic matter could be kept absolutely
dry, it would be comparatively harmless. Moisture is a necessary element for the
evolution of its pestiferous properties.
It is gratifying to observe that the applications to the Vestry to connect
house-drains with the main sewers increase. The facilities now enjoyed by the
inhabitants from the Sewers being under the control of the Yestry begin to be
appreciated. The application of the compulsory powers will become less and less
called for.
Mr. Freebody informs me that the total area still unprovided with Sewerage
is probably one-third that of the whole extent of the district. The amount of fever,
and other diseases caused by the Sewer-poison is thus largely accounted for. It