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18
the opinion of the Vestry the nuisance was owing
to three causes, viz.: (1) To the complete stagnancy
of the water, in consequence of which its impurity
and putrescence gradually increase during the
summer months; (2) To the carelessness of the
wharfingers and bargemen, either in allowing
soakage from their wharves, or in spilling offensive
matter while loading their barges; and (3) To the
constant discharge from the barges into the Basin
of bilge water, night soil and other descriptions of
filth. I added that in the opinion of the Vestry
these evils could only be remedied by the adoption
of the following measures; (l)To renew the water
every year at least three times during the Summer
months; (2) To make and enforce on all persons
carrying on trade in manure or other offensive
matters, and on all bargemen, such regulations as
regards the construction of their barges and
landing places as are necessary to prevent the
spilling or soakage above referred to, and to
prohibit the discharge of soil, bilge water or other
offensive liquids into the Basin. Of the two
proposals made by the Directors in reply to my
letter of the 4th of May, I expressed a decided
opinion that the changing of the water was in every
respect preferable to the employment of any means
of disinfection. It was finally agreed that both
measures should be adopted. As however the
supply of water did not permit of the Basin being
emptied earlier than the 3rd of June, orders were