View report page

80
under the notice of the Vestry, as houses unfit for human beings to
live in. Representations were made to the owner, and he spent
much money in endeavouring to improve them, but judging from
the short time that the improvement lasted, it seemed a waste of
money and labor, and very little benefit to the inhabitants.
The rooms were too small without any through ventilation, and
the ventilators inserted by the orders of the Sanitary Authority,
some years ago, only made them unbearably and dangerously
draughty, so that the inmates had to block them up, and they had
no back yards, and no back windows.
Inspector Alexander further gives particulars of a large public
school, in the premises of which the drains were constructed in a
very dangerous manner. This was evident when I visited the
premises, and the occurrence of infectious disease on the premises
afforded undeniable testimony.
The original construction was dangerous, to say the least;
it had been assumed that the joints and arrangements of pipes
would be and continue impervious, so that sewage gas could not
escape.
It was overlooked that more or less vibration there must be
through buildings, and the joints and cement become loosened,
and gases escape into enclosures, and into the school-room until
they became poisonous and dangerous.
Traps and joints are conveniences resorted to, to economise
space, but they are in all cases exceedingly liable to become
defective, and that should be more recognised, and not assumed
that they are at all times impervious to gaseous matters.
I have again to report that much time and intelligence has
been afforded to secure the work in the sanitary alterations being
better done, and more suitable materials used ; and the additional
confidence manifested by owners of dwellings show that they
appreciate the Inspector's supervision.
It is needless to add that anything promoting health is more
economical, and however much unsound work and inferior material
made be hidden away, yet the elements, air, water, &c. are so,