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visits of the inspectors to works in progress ; third, frequent
testing of drains; and, lastly, not unfrequent conflicts of
opinion between the Vestry Officials on the one hand,
and landlords, architects, builders, workmen, or tenants, on
the other hand. Moreover, the visits have necessarily had
frequently to be made by appointment at times inconvenient
to the Inspectors and in relation to their other duties. By
far the most difficult of the two branches of the work
included in the above return is that relating to the
drainage of houses already built, in regard to which it
has proved almost if not quite impossible in many cases
to become acquainted with all the defects of underground
drainage, before amendment was in progress, or to compel
complete reconstruction on the most approved principles.
Nevertheless, and notwithstanding considerable, not to say
needless, friction, the work on the whole has been carried out
to my satisfaction, and I am perfectly sure that it will never
now be discontinued, but that it will gradually increase in
efficiency, and will prove of immense sanitary value to the
Parish. I confess that I am much gratified that so much
new and important work has been effected, not only with
little opposition and annoyance, but largely with the cordial
co-operation and approval of builders, architects, landlords,
and tenants. I may add that, in addition to the 452 cases of
new drainage or total reconstruction (including connection
with the main sewer, and generally the provision of interceptors
and inspection chambers), there were 703 partial
reconstructions of underground drains.
I have placed in the appendix the "Rules respecting
Drainage and other Sanitary Arrangements to be observed by
builders," which were adopted by the Vestry, and in