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158
South Kensington, in a letter addressed to me, attributed his
daughter's illness, from typhoid fever, to the malodourg proceeding
from the mud, which, after drying in heaps, was spread as manure
on the grass. Unsightly and objectionable as was the appearance
of things, I could not admit the probability that the mud
was the cause of illness ; nevertheless, I forwarded the letter to
the Medical officer of Health to the Westminster District Board
of Works. It is not necessary for me, perhaps, to say anything
further on the subject, especially as all acknowledge the necessity
for what was done; and as the quasi-official defence of the
means and time selected for carrying out the work, which
appeared in the Times, satisfied most persons that if to be done
at all, it could hardly have been done in any other way, or at any
other season of the year. The season, indeed, was highly favourable,
for without a hot sun and continuous dry weather the work
must necessarily have been attended with great difficulties, and
extended over a period much longer than was actually occupied in
its performance. The heavy rains that occurred subsequently to
the spreading of the dried and, to a large extent, pulverised, mud
on the grass, soon caused it to disappear, and assisted in producing
a much improved crop of grass.
NECESSARY ACCOMMODATION.
There are only thirteen public urinals in the Parish—a very
inadequate number—and no public water-closets, except at the
rear of the Vestry Hall. Section 88, Metropolis Management
Act, enables the Vestries and District Boards to " provide
and maintain urinals, water closets, and like conveniences, for
both sexes, in situations where they deem such accommodation to
be required;" but your Vestry's efforts to provide this necessary
accommodation have frequently been thwarted by local opposition.
A proposition to erect "châlets" as a commercial speculation is
now under consideration; and should it be carried into effect, the
result of the experiment will be awaited with interest. Accommodation,
it may be added, is provided at about 160 public-houses.