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ture of the summer, the water, being stagnant and
loaded with impurities, speedily became putrid, and
gave off the most offensive odours. I learned, too, that
it was affecting the health of the bargemen and of others
in the neighbourhood, causing sickness and diarrhoea.
It therefore became necessary to have the Basin emptied,
and the water changed. This was accordingly done on
two occasions, viz., on the 17th June, and on the 31st
July. The deposit was found to be much less than
the noxious state of the water had suggested. This is
explained by the fact, that much of it had previously
been removed by the dredging machine. On neither
occasion was any of the deposit removed. It does not
admit of doubt, that had the tropical heat continued,
the water in a few days, perhaps in a few hours, would
have been again in the same objectionable condition,
imperilling the health of the surrounding inhabitants.
In my opinion, the Canal must remain a nuisance so
long as the offensive trades carried on upon its banks
are permitted, and its bed is left in its present state.
All attempts at disinfecting would be nugatory. If
the mud in the Basin—charged with putrefying organic
matter—were removed, a hard impermeable bottom
provided, and the water changed as often as the necessity
arose—measures which I believe have been suggested
by my predecessors—the main condition would
be secured for bringing about a better state of matters.
The Vestry could take care that the sewers should
not be choked with mud, and thus oblige the Canal
Company, in their turn, to compel their tenants to carry
on their business with some regard to the public health.
For many years the wharves in Paddington have