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(5) "That the Canal Companies should be required to concrete parti
of the canals, such as basins, lay-byes, and places adjacent to
wharves, where mud and other deposits are likely to accumulate."
A further recommendation (7), has for its object to secure
a more frequent change of the water of the canals than is obtained
under present arrangements. All of these recommendations,
as well as (1) and (2), which concern the three parishes
only, are excellent, and their adoption would doubtless be
attended with the best results. But, with reference to that
portion of the Grand Junction Canal in this Parish, there does
not appear to be, at present, any objectionable condition calling
for action on the part of your Vestry. The length of this
portion of the canal is about half a mile, viz., from Plough
Lane Bridge, Portobello Road, to the limit of the Kensal Gas
Works wall on the towing-path side, the Kensal Green Cemetery
being on the other side. There are no houses on the
banks, and no wharves or lay-byes. No drains, save a few for
surface water, or for roof drainage, enter the canal, and there
are no visible sources of pollution on the banks. When I
inspected the canal, in November last, in connection with the
Council's enquiry, the water presented the usual somewhat
muddy appearance. I had no evidence as to the depth of the
mud deposit. No dead animals were observed floating on the
surface of the water, or any other polluting matter ; but some
human excreta had been deposited on the towing-path close
to the bridge, under the Gas Works wall, I may add that
I have received no complaint of the condition of the canal.
PUBLIC MORTUARY.
The mortuary was opened in July, 1883. In the first
year, to March 25th, 1884, 24 bodies were deposited; in the
second year 67; in the third year 100; in the fourth year 97;
in the fifth year 100; in the sixth year 128; in the seventh
year 135; in the eighth year 207; in the ninth year 256; and
in the tenth year, to March last, 239.