View report page

32
Of the subjects that have chiefly occupied attention during
the year, I may first refer to the
WATER SUPPLY—CONSTANT SERVICE.—In my last report
to your Yestry it was stated that the New River Company
had agreed to establish a constant water supply throughout
their area in Shoreditch, and they had given notice that
after December 10th, 1877, their entire district of the
parish would be supplied with water on the constant
service, and owners of dwellings were required to provide
by the time named, fittings to prevent waste, and new
pipes where the old ones were inadequate.
The entire parish is now supplied with water on the
constant system. In doing this the New River and East
London Water Companies, have conferred a great benefit
on the parish, and,however much objections maybe raised
to the way in which the change has been made and to the
vexatious arrangements, and may be needless provisions,
yet, in enabling persons to draw water cool and unpolluted
direct from the main, the companies have done much to
promote health. It will excite no surprise to find that the
beneficial effect of the change is not fully appreciated, nor
can it be appreciated yet awhile, nor will it excite surprise to
find that the doing away with the old intermittent supply, is
thought by some to have been an ill-judged mischievous
proceeding. In support of that opinion they argue that the
constant supply, at present in operation in the parish, is a
failure. There are some facta tending to support these
adverse opinions, and the manner of proceeding on the part
of the New River Company, in introducing the constant
supply has curtailed the benefit in many cases; in some I
may truly say they have rendered the constant service of
little or no advantage. Owners of dwellings are annoyed
and consider themselves aggrieved because of the expense
they have been put to in providing new fittings and pipes,
and the tenants much harrassed by the leakage and bursting