View report page

27
washing, and securing places of public recreation
in the newly opened and crowded districts around
London. The Metropolitan Board of Works
appear to consult no medical or sanitary officer
to report upon many very serious evils that
are now springing up to endanger the future
health of the people and increase the public
burdens. Such Reports issuing periodically from
that Board, would advance public opinion.
The. Canal Basin.
The Canal Basin has, as usual, been a source
of trouble and annoyance. Last August during
the very hot weather the water began to putrify
and emitted a foul smell throughout the whole
neighbourhood, causing a great many complaints
by letters and calls at the Vestry, to know
what was to be done. The Directors of the Grand
Junction Canal Company were waited upon, and
served with a Sanitary Notice to empty the Basin,
which they almost immediately complied with, by
letting off the foul water, and refilling the basin
with fresh water. Fearing that the same alarm
and danger to the public health would recur this
year, the Sanitary and Public Health Committee
passed the following Resolution, urging the necessity
Resolution "that on the approach of the period for cleansing
the Canal Basin, this Committee desires to draw the
attention of the Canal Company to the importance of
having this work done effectually, and to the responsibility
which the Company will incur in case any evil
results should follow during the ensuing hot season from
any residue of foul matter left behind as a source of
pollution."