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six, and as the main drain is intercepted from the sewer by a
syphon (where the block usually occurs) it affects the whole of
the hpuses.
I have in previous years commended the Council's policy
of attending to this important work of unstopping and cleansing
drains, and one might claim that this is one of the factors that
helps to raise the Borough to the high position it holds among
the healthiest towns of England.
It must be obvious to the lay mind that there is a great
difference between unstopping a drain and sweeping a chimney,
a man may be an excellent sweep but a disastrous drain clearer.
There was a time before interceptors formed part of a drain
that the sweep could manage the work, but that day is past in
East Ham. The Council have two very able men who are
acquainted by many years experience with the position of the
manholes, and know the run of almost every drain in the
Borough. This knowledge prevents a great deal of delay and
waste of time which is a danger to health, in addition, frequently
the breaking of pipes and causing serious damage.
The small cost of doing this important work is a profitable
investment for the general ratepayer, for it is better to spend
a small amount in prevention than large amounts in curatives.
Drainage Work.—A great deal of excellent work has been
done under the heading of drainage re-construction. The
number of drains that have been tested either by water, smoke
or chemicals was 803—of this number, in 254 instances defects
were discovered in the connection or the trap. On every
occasion of drainage re-construction the work is subjected to
the strictest supervision and no pipes are permitted to be
covered until they have been tested and passed by the Inspector.
The principal work for the year under consideration
has been done at the following premises:—
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Francis Street.
55. 57. 59. 61, 63, 65, Elizabeth Street.
24, 26, 28, Robert Street.