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goes fortnightly to the Workhouse, and obtains a copy of the
returns of deaths of Plumstead cases in the Asylums Board
Hospitals.
C.—Sanitary Work.
Sewers.
49. The new Wickham Valley Sewer was completed in the
summer. This has enabled the greater part of the cesspools
still remaining in the Parish to be abolished, thus putting an
end to the great nuisance on the Heathfield Estate. On my
recommendation a branch sewer was ordered to be made, to
enable some houses in Wickham Lane to be drained. These
houses had a cesspool going down into the chalk, which is a
danger to the water supply.
Early in the year I called attention to the nuisance arising
from the cesspools in Bostal Lane. The Works Committee
considered the question of making a Sewer up the Lane, but
adjourned the matter for six months.
50. I discovered that the Plumstead Common Eoad Sewer
was partially silted up. This sewer is the cause of frequent
complaints of bad smells arising from the open manholes. I
recommended thorough flushing and relaying where necessary
to improve the fall. The flushing has been carried out, but
no structural alteration has yet been made.
Water Closets.
51. The Health Committee took the wise step of recommending
an addition to the regulations of the Surveyor for
new buildings, with the object of dispensing with the risers of
water closets. This is a great improvement, securing greater
cleanliness and dryness, and enabling defects to be more
easily detected. The reform is being widely introduced.