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75
Among the duties performed during the year, it will he
observed that one stands out prominently from a numerical
point of view, namely, the cutting off of rain-water, sink, and
other waste wacer pipes from drains. We have found, unfortunately,
that in a large number of cases, and noticeably among
houses recently built, there has been a great disregard on the
part of builders of the elementary principles of sanitary construction,
and that waste-water pipes have not only been
connected directly with drains and sewers, but that few or no
precautions to prevent the introduction by them of sewer-gas
into houses have been taken. The subject is one of great
practical importance, and is engaging the serious attention of
the Sewers and Sr.nitary Committee.
The prevalence of Small-pox during the first half of 1885
was a heavy tax on the resources of the department. When
the disease had become prevalent, Mr. Sedgley was detailed
to do the whole of the work connected with the disease all
over the Parish, partly in order that it might be systematically
done, partly to prevent any risk of the spread of Small Pox
by the Inspectors. The work was very laborious, occupying
the whole of each day from early morning till late at night,
and entailed much mental anxiety. At the end of a week or
two Mr. Sedgley broke down under it, and remained ill and
unfit for work for some time. His special duties were then
devolved on Mr. Stevenson, who performed them with great
zeal, ability, and success, for many weeks, until, in fact, the
epidemic had died out. The details of this work will be found
in Tables XIV. and XV.
I remain, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
J. S. BRISTOWE.