Sessional_Paper_1901 — Page 791

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checked by solid refuse which collects in them. Under such circum- stances the sewage lingers in the channels and undergoes decomposi- tion. The permeable joints of the pitchers allow great contamination of the soil beneath. This evil is greatest where blocks of houses are intersected by branching lanes and passages in which channels, having often only a slight fall, may be traced for long distances, uniting together and bending at various angles before they reach the main channel in the street. In some instances these complicated channels in the blocks can- not reach the streets directly; a length of underground piping is neces- sary, which cominences at a catch-pit, covered by a grating. During heavy rains, solid refuse of all kinds is swept down the channels and accumulates over the gratings, and the drainage then overflows the lanes and yards. Thus the soil is constantly being polluted in greater or less degree; and in the crowded portions of the Metropolis, where the evil is greatest, the floors of the houses are often close to the ground so that the mischief is intensified. In certain places crude forms of under- ground drainage have been introduced to remedy the ill conditions of groups or terraces of houses; but it is questionable whether the remedy so applied does not involve greater dangers to health than the open nuisance originally existing."

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Owing to the careless manner in which the pan-closets are con- structed, without impermeable floors, and owing to the use of old and worn-out receptacles, the soil under them is frequently polluted. In some parts, also, the soil has not yet completely recovered from the contamination that was produced during the existence of cesspits. In the low-lying parts of the Metropolis the subsoil is exceedingly damp, so that the walls of tenements suffer."

"The stagnant decomposing drainage also gives off offensive emana- tions which pollute the air. The underground sewers are not sufficiently ventilated, offensive gases escape through the various openings, and accumulations of a black and very offensive silt frequently occur, which is removed through manholes. During this process of removal the smell from the sewers is very offensive, and the air is necessarily polluted."

In the course of their enquiries the Commission put the following question in writing to the Clerks of the various Municipal Councils in the Metropolitan area :—

"Are there separate drains for the slops and liquid refuse of the bouses ?"

To this question the reply, in 17 cases out of 18, was in the negative.

With regard to the 18th I am a little dubious, but practically it may be assumed that this arrangement of open gutters conveying chamber slops and other foul liquids in the open is universal.

Over a great part of the Metropolitan area the fall in the channels is fairly good, but in some parts of South Melbourne, and notably in Port Melbourne, they are of necessity laid with terribly flat gradients, and as a consequence the fluids stagnate and become a source of great offence.

Under Mr. THWAITES' supervision this state of things is now being materially improved.

It is to be hoped that in laying out--in the future any such low-lying districts as parts of South Melbourne, and Port Melbourne, arrangements will be made to prevent houses being erected with their ground floors at so slight an elevation above sea level in Hobson's Bay as they are in those towns.