Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Westminster, The United Parishes of St. Margaret and St. John, Westminster]
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conveniences whenever a heavy rainfall has occurred at or
near the time of high water, particularly from the local sewers
in Tothill Street, the Broadway, James Street, York Street,
Carteret Street, and Great Peter Street, and from the main
line sewers in Milbank Street, Victoria Street, and Tachbrook
Street.
THAT your Memorialists submit that the outlet for the storm
water of the parish is not sufficiently provided for by the main
line sewers, or by pumping stations to relieve the same.
Your Memorialists therefore pray your Honorable Council to
cause such steps to be taken as may afford speedy and
permanent relief from the inconveniences complained of
The memorial was presented to the Main Drainage Committee
of the Council on the 25th July, when the representations
made in support of its 'prayer' by the deputation
were favourably and sympathetically received, the Chairman
(Mr. J. G. Rhoads) promising to enter fully into the many
technical details of the matter with the Vestry's surveyor
at the earliest date. Nothing in the shape of relief resulted,
however, and in October urgent appeals were again made
to the Council, the whole history of the agitation being
reviewed. At the same time the members of the London
County Council representing the Westminster Division
were invited to attend the Vestry's Works Committee, when
the question was to be specially considered. Sir Walter de
Souza then informed the Committee that the subject was
receiving the earnest consideration of the Main Drainage
Committee of the Council, but that as any scheme for
remedying the unsatisfactory condition of the main
drainage system in all parts of the metropolis must
not only be enormous in its cost, but must take a long
time to complete, the Main Drainage Committee would be
glad to consider any proposal for a temporary relief that
might be suggested by the local authorities affected. The
Committee thereupon appointed a Sub-Committee, comprising
the Chairman of the Committee and four gentlemen
fully acquainted with the whole subject (The Hon. Ashley
Ponsonby and Messrs. T. Horn, G. F. Trollope, J. W.