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18
COMPARISON OF BIRTHS AND DEATHS.
births.
deaths.
Christchurch.
Males
267
222
"
Females
238
153
505
375
Excess of Births,
130
St. Saviour
Males
251
160
"
Females
257
155
508
315
Excess of Births
193
1,013
690
"
323
Water Supply.
In my report last year I stated that much of the water was
rendered unfit for domestic purposes by being received in cisterns
and butts containing organic deposits. I stated the remedy will
be found in the establishment of the constant supply system. It
should, however, be understood that the constant supply does
not mean an unlimited supply, nor is it the fact that the water in
the house-pipes is always in direct communication with the water
in the reservoirs.
/
The arguments against the storage system are, I admit, directed
against removable failures. If every house had a good cistern, in
a proper place, that is, secured from contamination and capable of
easy inspection and cleansing, it might be argued that storage on
the premises would be the best plan, as giving without fail, and at
all times, a sufficient supply of water, not merely for common use,
but for emergencies. It must, however, be confessed that,
especially in poor houses, the inspection and cleansing of a wellplaced
cistern will never be properly done, and that, with all
precautions, the chances of contamination of the water during
storage are very great.
Frequent examinations of the water of the Lambeth and
Southwark and Vauxhall Companies show that it has been of fair
quality, and the supply has been abundant.
Gas Examination.
I have thought it right in this report to bring under your notice