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There are a great many old cottages in Essex Place
which must of neccessity be dealt with at an early
date, as, notwithstanding the frequent inspections
made, they are, by reason of their situation and construction,
in such a condition as to cause them to be
scheduled for action under these Acts.
House Drainage.
It will be observed on reference to Table 3, that the
total number of drains re-constructed during the past
year was 98, as compared with 143 for the previous
year. The large number of house drains which have
been tested by one or more of the several methods,
shews that great care has been exercised to ensure that
the sanitary appliances of every house are properly
maintained; and, as a matter of fact, practically the
whole of the houses in this district are now provided
with modern drainage. The presence of rats has in
several instances resulted in the discovery of defective
drainage, otherwise house drains are usually tested
after the superficial examination in the course of houseto-house
inspection and enquiries into complaints and
infectious diseases.
Some trouble was again experienced in connection
with combined drainage, but I am pleased to report
that in the four or five cases dealt with, satisfactory
negotiations were entered into with the owners, and
the expenses of legal proceedings avoided.
The Council's bye-laws with respect to the drainage
of existing buildings, made on the 21st September,
1910, and confirmed by the Local Government Board
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