DRAINAGE OF THE CITY.

Evening Star, Issue 2829, 13 March 1872, Page 3

DRAINAGE OF THE CITY.

To the’Editor. Sir, —The drainage and sewerage of a City ia a matter of paramount importance, and it should have received the attention of our civic authorities ere this, but since the City Council has taken cognizance of the importance of this subject, I am v.ryglad, and I hope the question will not be allowed to lapse until it has been thoroughly ventilated, and something done to remedy the existing evil of inefficient drainage,"together with the cesspool nuisance. Th->t strenuous efforts should be made by the inhabitants of this City to procure a complete and efficient system of drainage, is patent to all. Mr Cargill in his remarks ffiade at the recent meeting of the Municipal Council, says that he (Mr Cargill) prefers the present system of surface drainage (by-the-bye, I was not aware of it being a system before) to an imperfect system of underground drainage. If it had been Mr Cargill’s unfortunate lot to reside in the vicinity of some of the open drains in parts of this City, I think that gentleman would be inclined to say carry on the drainage underground at any coat, as the effluvium which arises is unbearable. For my part, I really would like to know what exists to prevent the drainage of this City being carried under ground, and at the same time in a proper manner. . . . Surely there are'engmoevs in the Province who are capable of forming a proper system of drainage suitable to the growing wants of the City. I am not inclined to coincide with our worthy Mayor’s remarks about getting essays accompanied with sketches of a systematic drainage, as it would lead tn non-professionals trying their schemes, and the successful person might lack the ability to carry out his own plans, and the result would be a signal failure. Another more important reason is the City Corporation employs an engineer for the purpose of carrying out the necessary street improvements, together with the genera] supervision of the city works. Why not instruct him to prepare plans, and execute the necessary survey s for the formation of a complete system of underground drainage, together with estimates of the probable cost ? What is the use of having a city engineer if the Corporation does not make use of his abilities, especially upon this very necessary work? Why expend money in the shape of premiums for the best plans, &c., when there is a regular sa’aried servant of the City Corporation in the shape of a city engineer ? That it is a duty, incumbent upon the Municipal Council of this city, to adopt an efficient system of drainage and sewerage, and to carry it out in its entiety, and as soon as (possible, you will no doubt agree with me. Excuse my trespass upon your time and space. 1 am, &c , Impress.