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in place of freshly-burnt lime for the purpose of making mortar. It
was known as "Billy Sweet," and contained a large percentage of
glycerine, the value of which was then unknown. The material was
almost given away, and was extensively used; but owing to the
glycerine it contained it never thoroughly dried, and even now
continues to attract moisture from the atmosphere.
Our ordinary notice to the owners of damp houses is to "remove
the cause of dampness." If this proceeds from a leaky roof, or the
absence of proper spouting, it is easily accomplished; but when the
dampness rises from the earth, owing to bad building, the process is
not so easy. Mere covering the walls with sheet lead, or match-lining
with wood, only conceals the dampness, but does not mitigate its
effects, which are well known to be detrimental to health.
I am of opinion that many of the houses in this condition would be
better dealt with under Mr. Torrens's Act, especially as this Act has
been favourably amended during the past session. I should strongly
advise the Vestry to direct the Surveyor to report upon the condition
of some of the worst of these houses, and then try a test case.
I have in preparation a report upon the condition of every house
scheduled, together with particulars of our proceedings in each case;
but as a good part of the action taken comes within the year 1885, I
prefer to postpone details until I can present them in a complete form.
PUBLIC MORTUARY.
One hundred and twenty-one bodies have been temporarily placed
in the mortuary. Certain repairs and alterations referred to in a
previous report are urgently required. I trust they will be very
shortly in progress.
SANITARY PROCEEDINGS.
Table VI. gives particulars of the works your Inspectors are
engaged in. The legal proceedings were of the ordinary character,
and require no special comment.
The dust complaints continue numerous; but a good deal of
attention has been devoted by the Sanitary Committee to an improved
method of dusting, which was brought before them and most ably
urged by Mr. Norris. The plan is to substitute a portable galvanized
iron pail for the fixed dust bin in common use. The householder is
directed to use this pail for the reception of dust and kitchen refuse,