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6
Brook still remains in a damp and unsatisfactory
state, and though on private property might be
improved. There are numerous back lanes in the
Borough that all through the winter months are in
an unsatisfactory condition; two especially bad ones
are behind Acre Road and turning off York Road,
but others are only in a less degree insanitary.
I would next refer to the Water Supply, for
which we are not responsible. An analysis of the
water supplied by the different water companies
has recently been made by order of the County
Council of London, with results far from re-assuring.
In view of future legislation I trust you will actively
support those authorities who demand right of entry
to, and the inspection of the filtration processes for
their accredited representatives. With regard to the
suggested sources of future supply, I should strongly
support the proposal to bring water from Wales for
the use of London, but whether we should be
included in London for water supply is a debateable
question. The river supply can never be satisfactory
for drinking purposes, as the filter beds are always
liable to temporary failure, but the question arises
whether it is not possible to procure a good supply
locally, either from the chalk, or elsewhere. If
we are not able to supply water in the ordinary way
and charge a rate for it, might it not be possible to
supply water free and charge the cost on the
General Rate? Water is not supplied by meter, and
it would seem to be immaterial whether paid for by
a direct rate or included in an Improvement Rate.
In the meantime I would urge upon you once more
the necessity for a constant supply.
I should like also to refer to that portion of my
duties in connection with the School Attendance
Committee. The arrangement recently made for
visiting these children in their own homes entails