Report of a committee on a plan for cleansing the drains of Black Town.

Date:
1856
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Report of a committee on a plan for cleansing the drains of Black Town. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    40 EETT1B TIIOM MEDICAL BOAIU), TO MlMTAEY BOAED. cesspools and decaying rubbish do exist, that although not positively general, thoy are so much so that notbing but a general system of perfect drainage', cleansing, and ventilation will bo sufficient to obviate tbe evil consequences arising therefrom. 7. It docs not appear to be within the province of the Medical Board to remark upon the plan proposed by the Chief Engineer for providing such a current of water as would constantly scour the drains and sewers of all the districts, whilst at the same time it would furnish an ample supply of the fluid for domestic purposes : further than to give their opinion, that if the project is successfully carried out, the advantages would be very great. 8. With reference to the question put by the Military Board in the 5th para, of their letter under reply, the Medical Board observe that they have no special information on the subject of water beyond what is generally known. Two chatties of water is probably about the average quantity used by each individual; many of the wells are brackish, but there are also several of good quality. The principal and best supply is said to be obtained from the Seven Wells near the Mint. On this subject the Board beg to refer to the reports of Mr. Sanderson and Dr. Hunter, which afford all the information they are in possession of. 9. The Board are not aware of the exact level of the large covered drains in Black Town, how far the hottom of these throughout their length is above the level of the Sea ; it is probable that in some places the bottom of these drains may be on this level or even below it ; and whether the supply of water proposed to be brought, into Madras would efficiently scour drains thus placed, could only be determined, by experience. They would advise in the meantime an increase of the Scavengers' department for the purpose of carrying the odure and rubbish away ; an outlet to which may be opened up by boats on tbe Cochrane canal. 10. The accompanying original reports, six in number, are requested to be returned when no longer required. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, A. LORIMER, Secretary, Medical Board. Fort Saint George, 31st Dec. 1852.
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