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114
ways thought it was one of the moat important of my duties.
I think this change arises through the bye laws that were adopted
by the Vestry.
TRADE REFUSE.
The removal of trade refuse ought to be fairly paid for by the
tradesman, and a not inconsiderable sum should be received in the
course of the year for this part of the work. The charge is 2s. 6d.
a load and Is. for less than half a load. I cannot give the amount
received for this work, as the sums are paid direct by Mr. Witney
to the accountant.
Three falls of snow occurred during the year, and were
promptly attended to.
At the time of the first fall, on the 26th of December, I was
at Exeter, and although my last instructions were that I was immediately
to be telegraphed for if snow fell, and I specially wrote
to Mr. Foakes to that effect; owing to the most extraordinary breakages
of the telegraph wires all over England, I did not receive any
message. Snow fell at the same time at Exeter, but thawed
rapidly, and my impression was that the storm was a local one. I
did not know to the contrary until the receipt of the London papers
on the Tuesday, when I at once returned. Mr. Jones, the superintendent
of roads has had great experience in the removal of snow,
and he had received full instructions to act in my absence. The *
snow was therefore cleared in the Fulham district as soon as anywhere
in London.
The plan adopted is to place the snow in heaps at the sides of
the roads and to keep the channels clear.
As many extra men as are deemed requisite are employed at
the rate of 4d. per hour, the main thoroughfares receiving the first
attention.
Although some of the snow was carted away from the principal
thoroughfares, it would not do to cart all slit away, as the expense
would be so heavy as to increase the rates. Many methods
of getting rid of it after collection have been submitted to me, but so
far as I can learn the least expensive is that of thawing the snow
with steam jets. Very good snow ploughs are now made, and road
scrapers also act very well in clearing the roads.
SNOW.