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10
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and of some private roads in Fulham form the principal portion of the
work.
In almost all my previous reports I have felt necessitated to refer
to that blot in our Escutcheon, the "Creek." It still continues in all its
abominable features, a most disgusting source of mischief, and of
constant complaints. The time has arrived when something effectual
must be done to rid us once and for ever from this filthy cesspool.
The formation of a handsome street leading to the river front, was
some years since planned by Mr. Bean, a most worthy substitute for
the existing mud pool. This would be an ornament to our Town, and
form a most useful approach to both middle and lower Malls.
The formation of Lock Gates at the entrance, to keep it constantly
full of water, would be more immediately practicable, and might be
so arranged as not to interfere with wharfage rights, or the storm overflow
of the Stamford Brook Sewer. The conversion of the Creek from
its present pestilential state appears almost to offeran indefinite number of
propositions for good to our Town. Here is another. It has very recently
and with much good sense been proposed to convert the Serpentine
into a sea bathing place for Londoners, by the conveyance of sea-water
from Brighton through stone-ware culverts. The pumping of the water
to a reservoir on the Brighton Downs, about 80 feet above the level of
the sea being considered sufficient for the purpose, and from which the
water would flow by gravitation to the London basin. It is contemplated
that by setting aside a certain portion of the water thus conveyed for
private bathing, that a sufficient amount might be realized for
defraying all but the entire expense of the undertaking, but whether
or no this may be the case, the benefit to Londoners in general could
not be overstated, It is not my view to extend this abstract idea to the
"Creek," I only wish again to draw the attention of our District to the
Fever breeding pool within us, and to shew how easily it might be
converted to a health giving means. It will be unnecessary to remind
the inhabitants of Hammersmith how often I have pointed out this spot as
that most fitted for a public swimming bath. Thanks to the perseverance
of a comparatively small band of energetic men, this great desideratum
for Hammersmith has been accomplished, though not upon the site of the
Creek. And here, as Officer of Health, I feel bound to say a great
boon has been conferred upon us. A visit to the Baths in Blacks Road
will convince the most sceptical, that our Town can boast of both
Swimming and Private Baths (as means of health) which may rank
amongst the most handsome and best conducted in the Metropolis.
The cool and refreshing invitation offered here by the noble Swimming
Bath, in the Summer months ought to be irresistible, whilst the elegant
and comfortable provision for private hot and cold Baths during all
seasons of the year, cannot fail to prove also a source of profit and
satisfaction to the Company. The advantages of this Institution, however,
are as yet confined to 1st and 2nd class bathers. It is here my
purpose to offer a plea for those unable to avail themselves of them.
Cannot the Creek be made available for a free public Swimming Bath
for the working classes? The annals of the Coroner's Court have shewn