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During July great complaints were made by the authorities of the training
ship "Cornwall," and the inhabitants of Purfleet generally, as to the serious
nuisance caused by the deposition on the low-lying land of dustbin refuse by
the Kensington Vestry. The Committee having visited the place, the matter
was referred to the City Solicitor to endeavour to come to some arrangement
with the Kensington Authority, whereby without in any way hampering
them in their attempt to get rid of their refuse, an undoubted nuisance might
be effectually prevented.
The Solicitor advised that the Medical Officers of the two Authorities should
confer upon the spot, and agree to some simple way out of the difficulty.
This was done, and it was decided to recommend that the cause for
complaint be removed by a disinfectant being used at the tip, where the main
nuisance appeared to be caused.
That lime freely sprinkled here from time to time, and at the close of each
day's operations, would probably suffice for the purpose.
That, further, the general body of the deposit should be covered to the
depth of two or three inches with earth, which would act as a disinfectant,
and planted with turnip or other quick-growing seed, which would soon
destroy any offensive smell.
If earth were not available, sifted ashes might be used, or even slop ; and
lastly, that slop be shot upon the refuse at the tip, where nuisance is most
likely to be found.
These recommendations were submitted by Dr. Dudfield to the Vestry,
approved of, and ordered to be carried into effect forthwith.
During August an unususl nuisance was caused by the body of a dead
whale, which had become stranded on the shore at Greenhithe above high
water mark, and, decomposing there, gave rise to serious complaint. No
owner could be found for the misguided creature, and as it would not pay to
remove for the sake of the oil, it was decided to bury it upon the spot. This
was therefore done at a cost to the Port Authority of 12l.
CANVEY ISLAND.
The sanitary supervision of the Island is carried out by periodical visits of
an inspector, the average interval being about every three weeks in the winter,
and about a fortnight in the summer.
The Vicar has, moreover, kindly undertaken to notify any illness or sanitary
matter requiring attention at other times.
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