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88
So that it does not seem that the source of the trouble
has anything to do with this drain. All the houses in Roden
Street or neighbourhood have been traced going to the
sewer, so it is evident none of these discharge into this
surface water drain. There are several road gullies connected
to this drain, so that these may account for the trouble; or,
as the river is very foul at that point and this surface water
pipe is low, there may be a deposit from that source formed
at times, so influencing the character of the effluent.
At another time a complaint was received of pollution
of the Roding higher up. On investigation, I found this was
due to an accident with the result that some considerable
quantity of malt liquor was being discharged by the East
Ham surface water sewer (?) into the Aldersbrook, and so
into the Roding. There is a general impression that the foul
and unsightly condition of the lower part of the Roding is
due to pollution from up stream, but f think there is no doubt
it is the other way—comes up with the tide and becomes
deposited.
TOWN AMBULANCE.
The public ambulance kindly given to the town about
10 years ago by Lord Rowallan is still being extensively used.
During the year it was used on 22 occasions for street accidents,
and on 135 occasions to convey patients to and from
the various hospitals at their own or friends' expense.
On the 28th September, 1909, the Council passed a
resolution giving the Medical Officer power to grant free use
of the ambulance to deserving cases for conveying patients
to and from various hospitals. This concession has been
taken advantage of on 6 occasions.