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44
In house to house inspection, or upon complaint, or in case
of illness in the house, and the drains are suspected of being
unsatisfactory, the smoke test is applied by smoke machine under
pressure.
All drains, however, upon being relaid or in any way repaired,
are required to be laid on six inches of Portland cement concrete,
the joints made watertight with Portland cement, the drain
packed up to two-thirds the vertical height of the pipes with
concrete, and are tested with the hydraulic or water test with a
head of at least two feet of water. Wherever possible I always
endeavour to persuade the owner to put in an iron drain with
caulked lead joints, indeed the difference in cost is very small and
especially in those parts of the district (New Maiden Ward) with
a clayey soil the trifling difference in cost is more than compensated
by the assurance thus obtained against any future trouble.
A general sanitary survey of all fittings, etc., including the
testing of drains is carried out in all cases of Diphtheria, Scarlet
Fever, or Typhoid Fever occurring in this district, and the proper
notices served to remedy any defects found.
There was only one drainage notice outstanding at the close
of the year, and this was on account of the premises becoming
unoccupied.
The compilation of drainage bye-laws for the drainage of
existing buildings was completed in the early part of the year, but
were postponed for consideration, sine die. I am pleased to say
these are at the time of writing being considered by the Committee
for submission to the Local Government Board for their approval.
These bye-laws are very much needed in the district, for the
better control of the carrying out of this work. Especially is this
required in the carrying out of repairs to drainage systems, as
frequently the knowledge of such work is only obtained by
observation in going about the district.
Van Dwellings.—The camping of caravans in certain parts
of the district has not given so much trouble as in the preceeding
year. On one occasion only has the trouble been serious and that
was on the land adjoining the Burlington Road Schools, during
the summer. With the aid of the Police and consent of the owner,