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89
"2.—The ground under one room being opened, I
find it composed, to a depth of at least 3 feet 6 inches of
foul old bricks and other rubbish.
"3.—Immediately below the floor there was found
the trap of one of the old closets still in position. On
digging to a depth of two feet this trap was found connected
into an undisturbed old brick drain, leaving no
doubt that foul gas from the drain had been added to the
emanations arising from the foul matters buried within the
walls, and empoisoning the atmosphere of the house.
"4.—There is evidence that the position of the drain
was recognized when the house was built, in the fact that,
where the drain passes under the front wall, the wall is
carried on a 'relieving stone template' to avoid disturbance
or removal of drain.
"5.—The lower walls are damp, arising from
defective construction. The back wall stands on brittle
and porous concrete, composed mainly of burnt clay with
very little lime, or other binding material added. The
front wall appears not to be built on concrete of any kind.
"6.—To mitigate dampness a dry area, abutting on
the footings of the front wall, has been constructed. This
area is fitted with horizontal air grates, level with surface
of paving. It is probable that this arrangement causes
more water to be added to the foundations in wet weather
than can be withdrawn by areation in dry weather.
"7.—There has been much sickness in the house.
One child has died of Typhoid Fever, and four others of
Bronchitis. The Caretaker has suffered with Ague and
sore throat on and off all the time he has lived in the
house, except the first four months. His wife also suffers
frequently from sore throat.
"I beg to recommend that an order be made on the School
Board, that the whole of the impure matters buried within the