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hardness, after boiling, 4 degrees. Such water may be considered usable.
In the summary of conclusions and recommendations of the Royal Commission,
on the Water Supply of the Metropolis, occur the following words—
"We are of opinion that the constant service system ought to be promptly
introduced to the farthest extent possible, in the supply of the Metropolis;
that it cannot be effectually introduced in London so long as the supply
remains in the hands of private Companies, to whom it would be inexpedient
to confide the great powers necessary for the purpose." These conclusions I
cordially endorse.
WORKSHOPS' REGULATION ACT.
The various workshops and factories in the district have been visited,
and printed forms containing an epitome of the chief sections of the Act
distributed. In one case, viz., that of a dressmaker in Albert Street, Shadwell,
the young women were kept at work beyond the legal hours on Saturdays.
A caution was given, and I have received no further complaint.
GAS SUPPLY.
Numerous observations have been made of the quality of the gas supplied
to your district, the result being that the illuminating power of the gas
supplied by the Commercial Gas Company was found to average 14.6 candles.
The highest illuminating power was 14.8, and the lowest 14.4. The average
amount of sulphur present in all forms was 21.4 grains per 100 cubic feet.
The illuminating power of the gas supplied by the Ratcliff Company was
found to average 14.1 candles, the highest power attained being 15.4, and
the lowest 13 candles. The average amount of sulphur present in all forms
was 20.48 grains per 100 cubic feet. As regards this impurity, I may