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49
solicitous to breathe clear and pure air as to eat clean
and pure food and drink, whether water or other fluids.
We hear of constant care and anxiety, with regard to
these and special Acts of Parliament, to secure them,
but that perpetual necessary of life without which we
cannot exist even for a few moments, may be polluted
with filth and poison from all kinds of sources, without
much regard being given to the immediate or ultimate
consequences. We have only to look at the good effect
upon health of temporary change into a clear
phere to realize the urgent necessity for preventing, as
far as possible, the pollution of the air supply of the
enormous population of this Metropolis, and especially
of its central parts.
Artizans and Labourers Dwellings Acts.
I have not hitherto deemed it necessary to report
to the local authority, under the Act of 1874,
which, as you are aware, gives such comprehensive
powers, in the case of large areas proved to be unhealthy
or where the houses are unfit for habitation.
Having upon several occasions reported to the Vestry
under the Act of 1868 (Torrens'), with fairly successful
results, I have thought it better, up to the present time,
to continue to proceed under this Act, where circumstances
rendered such a course necessary. During the
past year I recommended proceedings under the Act,
in the case of eight houses in Cottage Court, Stepney
Green, and the necessary works are now being carried
out, including extensive structural alterations.
Water Supply.
The water supplied by the East London Company
has been almost invariably of good quality, and compared
most favourably with the other Metropolitan