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10
A register of the temperature of the water or liquid flowing
from Messrs. Morgan's brewery into the Perry Yale sewer was carefully
kept, and much time was spent in making investigations (see
Surveyor's Reports, Minutes, 1884, pages 17 and 205). Messrs.
Morgan constructed circulating channels, and by means of such,
and introducing a jet of cold water into the channels, succeeded in
considerably reducing the temperature of the liquid coming from
their brewery. On account of the little rainfall the ventilators of
some of the sewers were unusually offensive during the hot weather.
I had recourse to additional flushing, by means of water carts, the
water being mixed with permanganate of potash. Some days there
were four water carts doing nothing else but flushing sewers.
For a long time past I have had an idea of introducing a system
of automatic flushing for the sewers in the District. With a view
of putting the matter to a practical test I recommended, in July,
1883, the construction of a tilt flusher in the Stoney Lane sewer.
In September last I suggested the construction of a flushing tank,
with a self-acting syphon, in the Kneller Road sewer, and again in
December I recommended the use of a similar tank in the sewer
Anerley Park, Penge. All these tanks were put in on account
of constant complaints of the ventilators smelling, and I am
pleased to be able to say they have answered admirably I have
not heard any complaints of such sewers during the hot dry
weather. I hope to submit a Report shortly to the Board, recommending
the construction of other tanks, &c., and before next
summer I feel sure a moderate sum spent in this way would be
fully appreciated by the public. Although I know the sewers to
be in good condition, and the low death rate testifies to the healthy
state of the District, still I am most anxious to prevent, as far as
possible, the ventilators smelling. I am certain the best means of
doing this in ordinary cases is by means of a self-acting system of
flushing. The old adage says, "Prevention is better than cure,"
and it is by means of effectual flushing that deposits are removed,
and no time allowed for the collection of foul air. I should like to
see the system carried further, and adopted in the house drains,
every house to have a tank and syphon, or other arrangement to
periodically flush the drains. I know the expense of the water
used, &c., would at once be urged against this, but landlords and
tenants should consider that, in the long run, it would probably