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14
I was engaged, in conjunction with the Accountant, in extending
the return made to the Metropolitan Hoard of Works in
1874, to the 25th March, 1881, of the cost and length of Sewers,
Roads, Footpaths, Improvements, &e., &c., constructed since the
1st of January, 1856. The return will be found at page 77,
Minutes, 1882. During the year there have been 856 buildings
constructed, and nearly five miles of Sewers of all sizes laid in
roads. The Lord of the Manor of Lewisham removed several trees,
as they were dangerous, and the Hoard planted 104 lime trees at
Rushey Green, and six plane trees at St. Mary's Church, Lewisham,
in order to compensate as much as possible for t he loss of the old trees.
A small enclosure was also fenced in and planted near the "Lion
and Lamb," Lewisham, on the site of the two elms. One of the
common causes, at the present time, of stoppages in house drains
is the objectionable contrivance called "waste-water preventers.'
They are constantly out of order, the consequence i> the drains are
not properly flushed after using the water closets. Indeed, when
the apparatus is in working order, the quantity of water allowed
as a flush is insufficient, and I am surprised the Water Companies
ever obtained the powers to insist upon their use.
The bed of the Quaggy was concreted from the eastern end
of the Plough Bridge to the northern end of the High Pavement.
The work was executed under contract bv Messrs. John Mowlem
and Co., and the total cost was 17s. 10d, the Plumstead
Board of Works contributing the sum of £57 17s. 9d. The
Board contemplate extending this work, and also carrying out
further works at the Silk Mills.
The highest water occurred in the Ravensbourne upon the
28th of October. There was no flooding. Doubtless the work
carried out last year proved of service.
There were 27 communications from the Superintending
Architect during the year relative to the frontage line of buildings.
A Cart Shed, Store-rooms, and small office for the Inspector
of Works, was built at the Forest Hill Stone-yard, from drawings,
&c., 1 prepared. The work was executed under contract by
Messrs. K ing and Otley, and cost £254 19s. 3d. Next year I hope
to see the shed in the Penge Yard extended, and some improvements
carried out there.