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45
that they formed obstructions to the discharge of sewage ;
and some new drains being constructed, or recently laid
down, the work had been done in a reckless, injurious
manner; the workmen in somo cases, laying the pipes
end to end, without cement or sealing up of any kind;
or laying the pipes so unevenly that obstruction and accumulation
of sewage must certainly occur. And this comes
so frequently under notice it might usefully be contended
and urged that the Sanitary Authorities should take legal
proceedings against such workmen for continuing the
nuisance and endangering health.
Such reckless proceedings are the more to be
deprecated, because the owners are necessitated to trust
the men, and the tenants led to think the drains have
been made secure; whereas somo of the new drains are
more dangerous than the old, and the Sanitary officer
cannot make sure that every pipe is properly laid and
secured.
In reference to drains, I may hero mention that a
few weeks after my last report was issued to your Vestry,
it was reported to the Sanitary Department that there
was an outbreak of typhoid fever in Great Cambridge
Street and its off-lying streets. Thirteen fever cases
occurred in ten houses. A careful investigation revealed
no other acknowledged cause, excepting a defective
condition of the drains. In several houses the drains
were examined and found to have insufficient falls, and
to be much blocked up by accumulated sewage deposits.
TRADE NUISANCES. — The offensive nuisance caused by
sulphurous compounds, escaping in emptying the retorts
used in purifying the gas at tho Gas Works in Great
Cambridge Street, has recurred on one or two occasions,
but not to an extent requiring tho action of the Sanitary
authority.
Other trade nuisances of minor importance have
occurred, but do not call for remark.