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10
spected the various habitations on the island
and I found there 21 structures, partly
wooden buildings, partly canvas camps. In
nearly all cases I found no person on the
premises. The sanitary arrangements were
mostly of a very primitive nature Three
have proper earth closets; in 6 cases a closet
is erected of about 6 fret high and 3 by 3 wide,
fitted with a seat, under which a pail of galvanized
iron is placed. As the various habitations
are not inhabited at the present time,
I cannot say whether ashes or dry earth are
used in the pails, nor how often they are
emptied when in use. Evidently some of these
conveniences are used by different parties.
Only on one spot I found rubbish thrown on
the adjoining land.
Some new wooden buildings are in course
of erection, and it is probable that the number
of camps will increase during the summer.
Great supervision has to be exercised to
prevent any injury to the public health,
which may arise from those habitations, and
an arrangement ought to be made with the
owner to make proper provision for the systematic
and regular cleansing of all the conveniences,
and the removal of all excremental
matter from the island. The way in which
the contents of the conveniences are to be
disposed of, ought to be frequently inquired
into,
The attention of the Thames Conservators
ought to be called to those habitations, with
a view of preventing the pollution of the river
by remnants of food and other house refuse."
I am, Gentlemen, etc.