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87
recur; and that in such case the hole, if left open, would obviate
trouble. Whether argument arose or not, a large hole made in the
top of the trap was left entirely uncovered, through which sewer gas
must have flowed into the house. The drain extending from the
brick and cement cavity under trap of pan and connected into
No. 3 drain was formed of five 4" drain pipes, these were laid zigzag.
The bad joints thus occasioned were carefully sealed with
cement on the top only. The under part was left open with the result
that sewage escaped and soddened the course of the drain. By the
courtesy of one of the Trustees, the whole of the arrangements
described are deposited at the Town Hall, and in the condition in
which they were found, in evidence of the disastrous work, even
now, being done from day to day by incompetent tradesmen, when
not under proper supervision.
This case is noteworthy not only for the evidence it supplies as
to the fact that persons, however incompetent and inexperienced
may engage in the work of drain laying, but also for the evidenoe
supplied that persons with insufficient experience or qualification
may, for years engage in directing the alteration and construction
of drains upon which the health of large numbers of persons may
depend. Witness the defect of judgment and want of knowledge
that suggested the construction of No. 3 drain as a corrective to the
defects of No. 2. Water closets and urinals were to be shut off
and No. 2 thereby rendered innocuous; as a matter of fact—
though sewage was diverted into a new drain (No. 3), sewer gas
must have continued to escape from the old one (No. 2) which
should have been properly reconstructed and would then have
been sufficient for the safe drainage of the whole of the premises.
These views having been enforced upon the Trustees by notice
and by personal interview, I received the thanks of the Committee
and the assurance that the whole of my recommendations would be
carried out.
This has been done, Nos. 1 & 2 drains have been abolished and
their connection with the sewer out off. No. 3 drain has been fitted
with an inspection chamber in which the drainage of the premises
is reoeived, including all the roofs, all surface drainage, water