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97
but property in the Central Wards is older and smaller. In
Manor Park Ward there are 5,058 houses, stoppages 447, or 8.7
per cent. This Ward includes the low.lying district of Little
Ilford, where it is impossible to obtain efficient falls to the
drains, and where stoppages are often the result of thoughtlessness.
The work of unstopping and cleansing drains is still carried
out by the Council's own workmen, who have had many years'
training and are thoroughly capable men, experienced in the
work, and conscious of its importance; they discharge their
duties (which are most onerous and frequently dangerous) most
creditably. When it is considered what serious damage is often
done to drains by indifferent workmen, I think the Council's
policy of undertaking and carrying out this most important
work free of charge will commend itself to every practical
sanitarian.
Drainage Work.— During the past year a large amount of
time has been devoted to the testing and examination of drains,
and at 748 houses the drains have been tested either by
Chemicals, Smoke, or Water, and in 310 instances defects have
been discovered, with the result that at 249 of the premises it
has necessitated the re.construction of the drainage system, and
at 61 houses the relaying of the branch drain connections.
In addition there have been 314 new soil pans and traps
fixed, and 9 new soil pipes erected. At the whole of these works
of Sanitary amendment the work has been done under the
strict supervision of the District Inspector, and no pipes were
permitted to be covered until the new work had been water.
tested and passed. It occasionally happens that cheap and
indifferent jobbers will try to complete the work before
intimating to the Inspector that the work has commenced,
notwithstanding the fact that it is specially pointed out in the
Notice served calling upon them to do the work that
information must be given to the Inspector before commencing,
and a stamped post card accompanies every Drain Notice.
However, I am pleased to add that it is the general rule to
inform the Inspector.
G