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59
SECTION 41 PUBLIC HEALTH ACT, 1875.
In ten cases notices were served under this section of intention
to open the ground and examine the drains.
In house to house inspections, upon complaint, or in cases of
illness in the house and the drainage is suspected, the smoke test is
applied smoke machine under pressure.
All drains, however, upon being reliaid or in any way repaired,
are required to be laid upon a bed of good Portland cement concrete
at least four inches in thickness, with an efficient fall, the joints
made watertight with Portland cement, wiped out inside carefully to
remove any excess of cement, the drain packed up with concrete to
half the vertical height of the pipes, and tested with the hydraulic
or water test with a head of at least two feet of water.
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 the district, and the proper
notices served to remedy any defects found.
Owing to the clay formation of the ground, especially in the New
Maiden district, it would be much wiser on the part of owners if
upon reconstruction the use of iron pipes and caulked lead joints
was more general in practice in place of stoneware pipes. The
difference in cost is not great, and the assurance against further
trouble would more than justify the small extra initial outlay.
Drainage Byelaws.—I am pleased to say that the bytlaws with
respect to the drainage of existing buildings and with respect to the
water-closets, earth-closets, privies, ashpits, and cesspools in connec
tion with existing buildings have again been of great assistance
during the year, especially with regard to the "giving of notice"
previous to work being commenced.
Van Dwellings.—The one caravan reported last year as
stationed in Messrs. Thomas's Yard, Dunbar Road, New Maiden,
has now removed from the district.
Wlortuary.—(Public Health Act, 1875, Sections 141, 142 and
143).—During the year ten bodies were admitted to the mortuary
and in each case post-mortem examinations were carried out.