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33
The controversy over the virtues and failings of the intercepting
trap on house drains is not yet dead. It has, it is true, been in a
comatose condition for some time past. Now, however, the Local
Government Board has revived it by the announcement
that the President has appointed a Departmantal Committee to
institute inquiries and report with regard to its use. This
Committee have issued a circular letter under date of October 29th,
asking for information. The Committee inquiry includes " consideration
of the need or otherwise of the intercepting trap ; of any
disadvantages of the trap ; of the effect on the community of
emanations from sewers or drains ; to some extent also of the
ventilation of sewers or drains ; and of the bsaring of existing
conditions on the question."
I may say that of the 51 stoppages in drains discovered since
I took up duties on June 1st last, 40 out of the 51 stoppages were
caused at the interceptor, and generally I found through the displacement
of the stopper in the cleaning arm.
Another point I have also observed is, that the stoppages
through this cause occur mostly where the ventilation provided
to the sewers is the least.
Only one complaint was received of sewer ventilation shafts
in the District and this has been removed to a more satisfactory
point by the Surveyor.
The drafting of Bye-laws for the drainage of existing Buildings
is now receiving earnest attention and it is hoped these will be put
in force in the District as early as possible.
SCHOOLS.
The Sanitary Accommodation of all the schools in the
District is periodically inspected to ensure an efficient state of
cleanliness at all times.
There are nine private schools in the District and it was
decided during the year that these schools be also periodically
inspected.
Lime Grove Schools.—During the Summer Holidays the
drainage of these schools was partially re-laid. All rain-water
downspouts disconnected from the drains, proper automatic flushing
cisterns of adequate capacity fixed to the closet accommodation, and
the urinal re-constructed, besides an additional water closet
provided for the exclusive use of the teachers. The drain to the
school-house was also re-laid and the defective sanitary fittings
made good.