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11
As regards the turbidity of the Lambeth Company's water,
Mr. Radcliffe reports “ that it is due, 1st, to the objectionable
source of supply (the intake being, like that of the Chelsea
Company, below the junction of the turbid Mole with the
Thames); 2nd, to insufficient provision for subsidence; and 3rd,
to insufficient apparatus for filtration."
The Southwark Company has recently improved its filtering
apparatus, and was, in consequence, enabled during the latter
part of the year to supply perfectly clear and transparent water.
The water of the Lambeth Company delivered in December was
extremely turbid, from which it may be inferred that no substantial
improvement has been made in its arrangements.
It thus appears that it is quite possible to deliver in London
water reasonably safe for drinking purposes; and it is manifestly
the duty of Sanitary Hoards and their officers to continue to ventilate
the subject until it is obtained without contamination, and
so purified as to render its domestic use entirely free from risk.
1 have thus endeavoured briefly to indicate the chief points
suggested by the statistics which I present for your perusal.
You will perceive that a large amount of sanitary work has been
done. Your Inspector has shown his accustomed vigilance in
detecting and removing nuisances, and visiting premises requiring
his inspections, and it may reasonably be assumed that these
measures have tended to arrest the advance of disease. Death
cannot be abolished, but life may be extended; and it is a
testimony to the wisdom of our legislature that since the establishment
of Boards, such as this, London has become one of the
most healthy cities in the world. Doubtless the general want of
employment during the past year exercised a considerable
influence upon the health of the poor, and it is a matter for deep
thankfulness that plentiful harvests have been granted during
such seasons. Had this dearth of employment been accompanied
by scarcity of food, it is impossible to say to how much greater
an extent fevers and other diseases incident to times of want
might have prevailed.
In conclusion I have again to thank the Board and its officers
for their kindness and courtesy during the past year.
I am,
Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
ROBERT BIANCHI.