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21
means in their power "to continue the water in its
present improved condition." On this, it was resolved
(July 7) that considering the noxious state
of the Basin, an urgent necessity existed for the
immediate use of disinfectants on a large scale ; and
a copy of a resolution to this effect was forwarded
to the Directors. As no steps were taken in
consequence, the Committee determined (July 21)
to institute proceedings at the Police Court,
Marylebone. A summons was accordingly obtained
on that day, returnable in forty eight hours;
on the service of which the Directors gave
immediate orders for the disinfection of the Basin.
During July 24th and the four following days, large
quantities of disinfecting fluid (Mc Dougall's)
were introduced. At the end of that time the
result appeared to be satisfactory, in so far
that the offensive principle, if not destroyed, had at
least lost its power of becoming diffused through
the atmosphere. At the same time it was not less
observable than before, that whenever the mud of
the channel was agitated by the punting of a barge,
or otherwise, the stench was reproduced in its
former intensity.
As soon as the weather had become sufficiently
cold for the purpose, I conferred (September 1st)
with the Chairman and Secretary of the Company
by direction of the Sanitary Committee, with a
view to the immediate letting off of the water
and cleansing the Basin by manual labour, as