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56
the consumers. The remedy for this deterioration is doubtless to be
found in a constant supply. Such constant supply, however, is not yet
general. Meanwhile, it is of the utmost importance that the attention
of householders should be given to the fittings and cleanliness of their
cisterns, as well as their house drains and the water pipes connected
therewith, upon which depend, in a great measure, the purity and
sufficiency of the domestic water supply. An inspection of the cisterns
too frequently shows that they are in a state of foulness totally unexpected,
and generally caused by local circumstances and faults."
In July, Mr. W. W. Burrows reported, that his
attention haying been called by a member of the
Sanitary Committee to the fact that a large number of
houses in Collingwood street were without water, he
immediately visited the spot, and found that about
forty houses in this densely populated neighbourhood
had been entirely deprived of their usual supply.
It seems that a plug had been drawn for the purpose
of flushing the sewers, and so imperfectly replaced that
some children were able to loosen it, and ultimately
to get it out. In order to stop the waste, the water
was turned off by the turncock, and there seems to have
been some quarrel between him and a woman residing
in the neighbourhood about it. In revenge for what
was said, the turncock told the people they should not
have any water, and refused to turn it on again.
In accordance with a resolution of the Sanitary
Committee, Mr. Voss wrote to the East London Water
Company drawing their attention to the conduct of
their officer. We afterwards heard from the Company
to the effect that they had discharged the turncock for
his conduct in the matter.