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9
the erection of a shaft to carry off the effluvia evolved during
the drying of rice starch, to a height considerably above
that of the adjoining houses. This effectually prevented the
nuisance to the neighbourhood. I also requested hint to
remove the apparatus for making oxide of iron to a distance
from the workhouse grounds (as complaints were made of the
escape of steam and small quantities of sulphuretted hydrogen)
also to pass the vapours, &c., through coke and a solution of
caustic potash or soda. Since these have been done no new
complaints have been made to us.
In consequence of numerous letters having been received
complaining of unpleasant smells escaping from the drains into
the houses at Hackney Wick, I examined some of the sewage
(which was procured for me by direction of Mr. Lovegrove)
escaping from Messrs. Barnes' factory, at Hackney Wick, and
found it to contain naptha washings and carbolic acid. On
calling at Mr. Barnes' factory it was arranged that the washings
should be passed through a large filter containing quick lime,
and that the quantity of carbolic acid used for disinfecting the
liquid should be diminished. These means have been effectual
in removing the smell, except on very rare occasions. I also
laid a report before you respecting the refuse which escaped
from Messrs. Griffiths' manufactory, for the distillation of gas
tar, into a sewer at Bow, which communicated with the low
level sewer. A copy of this report was sent to the Metropolitan
Board of Works, who succeeded in obtaining some of the refuse,
and in convicting Messrs. Griffith for the offence. I have also
inspected an essential oil distillery at Ash grove, in consequence
of complaints from the inhabitants of the adjoining houses of
an unpleasant smell therefrom. I advised several slight alterations
to be made, which have had the desired effect.
The supervisions of the dust contract has entailed a great
deal of work on the sanitary staff, as we have had to give notice to