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variably a constant supply, and water drawn direct
from the main for general consumption is enjoyed by
a very large percentage of our inhabitants. When
water is constantly supplied it can be drawn as required
; and there is no reason why it should be stored
in a house, at least, as far as domestic consumption is
concerned. Where there is a constant supply, storage
cisterns are not only unnecessary and useless, but are,
in fact, harmful, inasmuch as they lead to contamination,
the stored water being too frequently placed
under the rafters of the roof, without covering, and
exposed to dirt and other impurities. A supply of
water direct from the main should be provided for
every house or tenement.
Public Abattoirs.
I hope that the time is not far distant when local
slaughter houses will be superceded by the former as
in Liverpool, Croydon, and many of the large towns
where the slaughtering is carried out and greater
facilities afforded for the meat inspection. I do not
consider that many of the existing private slaughter
houses are in suitable situations in this district.
Cremation.
I find that there is an annual increase in the total
number of cremations in the United Kingdom, yet it
is comparatively small considering there are thirteen
crematoria in operation. The number of cremations
has gradually risen from three in 1885 to 855 last year.
There is no doubt that a prejudice exists against this
form of disposal of the dead, except amongst the more
intellectual class of the community, and the progress
of this practice must depend on the education of the
people.
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