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sewers. In consideration of this statement the
Vestry Clerk was directed to write to the Metropolitan
Board of Works, pointing out to them how
important it was to the health of the parish that
the Basin should be frequently emptied, and requesting
them, with a view to facilitate this object, to
allow the Grand Junction Canal Company to run
off their water through the sewers under their
control at a shorter notice than forty-eight hours.
To this request the Board declined to accede in consideration
"of the necessity of making effectual and
timely arrangements for the protection of the lives
of the men working in the main sewers."
In May, 1864, the Company, after much pressure
on the part of Dr. Sanderson, cleansed the whole
of the Basin to his entire satisfaction. The mud
removed on this occasion amounted to several
thousand tons. In 1865, Dr. Sanderson stated at
a conference with the Directors of the Canal Company
that in the opinion of the Vestry the nuisance
was owing to three causes, viz.:—
1. To the stagnancy of the water.
2. To the carelessness of the wharfingers and
bargemen, either in allowing soakage from
the wharves, or in spilling offensive matter
while loading their barges.
3. To the constant discharge from the barges into