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106
The results of the numerous cultivations were as follow
(а) The water (150 centimetres), in which the above water-cress had
been washed here in the laboratory contained above one thousand
bacillus coli communis per 1 cubic centimetre.
(б) It contained less than 10, but not more than 4 spores of bacillus
entevitidis sporogenes per 1 cubic centimetre.
From these results I consider the above water-cress strongly polluted
with sewage microbes, and for this reason I think the material unsuited and
(possibly) dangerous for consumption.
(Signed) E. Klein.
This report showed the desirability of preventing the use
of any water-cress grown at Southend Lane. The growers
were informed of the result of the examination, and the danger
which might accrue from the consumption of the water-cress.
The Council were powerless to prevent the sale of the material,
but publicity was given in the press to the conditions under
which it was grown.
A copy of the special report submitted to your Council
was forwarded to the Local Government Board and the
Corporation of Croydon. Your Surveyor and myself met the
Engineer and Medical Officer of Croydon at the sewage farm,
and they informed us that it was proposed to construct additional
filter beds in order to improve the quality of the efiluent.
I have recently been informed that application has been
made to the Local Government Board for sanction to
borrow the necessary funds, so that we may hope in the near
future that the required works will be completed and a
dangerous source of pollution will be removed.
Pollution by Products of Gas Manufacture.—The Crystal
Palace District Gas Company carry on the manufacture of carburetted
water-gas, the necessary enrichment being obtained by the
use of Baku petroleum. In the course of manufacture a waste
product is formed, technically termed water-gas tar, which the
Company store in tanks. Large quantities of this material were
permitted by the Company to escape into the Pool River
several times during the year. On some occasions this material