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19
not be a hardship to anyone. A Danish farmer recently
took a farm near York, and by just carrying out the simple
sanitary methods he had been taught in Denmark, he was
able to supply pure milk uncontaminated by either disease
or preservatives. The establishment of this farm was
started as a charity, but has now become a remunerative
concern. With a little energy and co-operation the
country round Kingston should be able to give us a supply
of pure milk direct from the cow.
The largest cow-keeper in the town has now an apparatus
for cleansing his cans bv steam. This is a very satisfactory
method.
HOGG'S MILL STREAM.
This stream still causes trouble. The backwater near
Portland Road is generally almost stagnant water; there is
a thick deposit of mud at the bottom, and there are often
bad smells. I consider this branch of the stream particularly
bad. It is generally considered that this part of
the town is the most unhealthy part of the Borough. This
is difficult to prove as the population is migratory, but the
particulars of infectious disease already published may be
given again. The district is l-20th part of the area, but
has 1-13th of the infectious diseases.
It has always appeared to me that this backwater from
Kelly's Mill to St. John's Schools should be filled in. This
would give increased garden ground to the adjoining owners,
who might reasonably be expected to contribute to the cost.
The main stream would then require straightening, the
banks of reeds, etc., cleared away, and the banks protected
by campshedding. I do not think this improvement would
cause flooding of the neighbourhood when the water was
high in the river, as by diverting the whole stream to a
straight, broad channel, the current would be relatively
increased and the river deepened. For the future care of
the stream certain workmen of the Corporation should be
given a punt and wading boots, and obstructions and rubbish
should be cleared away at regular times just as any
highway is cleansed and scavenged.