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saving in capital expenditure. Assuming the annual charges, including
interest, to be the same with any two schemes, and the efficiency equal, we
should prefer that scheme in which the capital expenditure was the least,
because working expenses may be modified as experience is gained, and improved
methods introduced, but a mistake as regards capital expenditure
•cannot be remedied except by additional outlay.
"(13.) We have estimated the cost of the works for conveying the whole
of the crude sewage to the sea at 8,000,000/., and the working expenses at
80,000/. per anuum; as compared with a capital expenditure of 1,600,000/.
and working expenses of 50,000/. for discharging a proportion of the sewage
in a clarified condition at Shell Haven. To the working expenses in the
latter case must be added the cost of precipitating at Barking and Crossness,
and conveying to sea the amount of sludge due to the existing sewage discharge.
"(14.) As the growth of the population is gradual, the sewage system
should be also of a progressive character, so as to minimise the loss of interest
on unnecessary works.
"We recommend, therefore, that such portions of the works included in
our estimate of two-and-a-quarter millions as are of pressing necessity,
should be at once commenced, but that the remainder of the works, including
the new outfall sewer to Shell Haven, should not immediately be proceeded
with."
NUISANCES.
Many nuisances of a minor character affecting the health of the district
are constantly reported and dealt with.
Below are details only of those of importance or especial difficulty.
During April serious complaint was made of the deposit of shaving manure
in large quantities on waste land, the property of the Millwall Dock Company.
This, which has a most offensive smell, and constituted a dangerous nuisance,
was at once discontinued, and that already deposited was covered over with a
thick layer of ashes.
A large accumulation of stable manure in the same neighbourhood was also
ordered to be removed, and as this was not at once done, an order was served
under section 70 of the Public Health Act, which authorises the Sanitary
Authority, after due notice, to effect the removal, and charge the owners of
the material with any loss which may accrue after it has been disposed of.
This had the desired effect, and an arrangement was then made for its
periodical removal.