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for 1888-89, these Reports also were summarised (pages 162-167).
Sir Henry Roscoe's engagement with the Board expired at Ladyday,
before which date the Board itself came to a premature end.
Subsequently, in May, 1889, Sir Henry Roscoe published a paper
"On the Metropolitan Sewage Question," in which he
summarised the conclusions of the Royal Commission of 1882 ;
the proceedings of the late Metropolitan Board of Works in
regard to the treatment of the Sewage, in opposition to the
recommendations of the Commission; the views of the Chemists
consulted by the Board; and his own Reports, above referred to.
Primarily, this paper was prepared for the use of members of the
County Council, whose Main Drainage Committee, it was understood,
were proceeding upon the lines of the the late Board, in
carrying out a discredited system, which, it was alleged, would
involve a large yearly outlay for disinfectants. After "A criticism
of the system proposed by the Metropolitan Board" (page 15),
Sir Henry Roscoe concludes by stating his opinion that "the
proposal of the late Board for the disposal of the sewage is based
on false principles:—
"(1) As regards the addition of lime and iron in the proportions
recommended.
"(2) As regards the addition of manganate of soda to the effluent.
after precipitation, in the quantities suggested.
"(3) As regards the formation of underground settling tanks at
Barking and Crossness.
"(4) As regards pumping the sludge into tank steamers and sending
it out to sea."
The suggestion made was that "The Main Drainage Committee
should appoint an engineer and a chemist of position,
to report to them on the whole question of the treatment and
disposal of the sewage, as a basis for future action." The County
Council, while hoping to be enabled to avail themselves, in the
future, of Sir Henry Roscoe's services, did not think it necessary
to renew his appointment, upon their own accession to the
responsible position occupied by the Board in relation to the