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4
The physical features of the district of Ilford is exceeding
flat in character, and almost on a level with the Thames.
The sub-soil is principally gravel with occasional beds of
clay in some parts of it. The house accommodation for the
working classes has much improved since my last report, ns
there are now good substantial rows and terraces suited in
size and rent for the working man, most of these have small
gardens back and front which are amply sufficient for air
space.
The supervision over the erection of new houses is done
by the Surveyor and his staff. In connection with this I
should like to mention that I disapprove of the construction
of house in the matter of the bath and water-closet and
washstand which are in the same compartment together;
and that in some cases the water cistern which supplies the
people of the house for drinking purposes and the flushing
cistern for the w.c. are in the same compartment. I consider
this a very inconvenient arrangement, if not a very
insanitary one, in houses there are moderately large families.
Bennett's Castle Lane ditch has been set in proper
order and the sewerage and drainage in the greater part of
Ilford is sufficient, but there are some out-lying districts,
viz.:—the Eastern end of Green Lane and Goodmayes
Cottages which require better drainage as they at present
run into ditches through cesspools; Little Heath and
Padnal's corner also require better drainage. The condition
of sewers and house drains are generally satisfactory.
The disposal of excrement is principally conveyed by
the sewers to the Sewerage Works at Loxford, near Barking.
On account of the great increase in the population are
becoming insufficient for dealing with the amount of sewage