The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1859-10-25 00:00:00

DORCHESTER LOCAL BOARD OF HEALTH.

TUILIIDAT, OCT. 18.
A meeting of tbis body took place on Tuesday last
—present, Henry Lock, Esq., (Mayor), Alderman
Nlantield, Messrs. Coombs, Galpiu, Bishop, Mason,
Stanton, and Eimer.

PUBLIC DRAINAGE AND WATER SUPPLY.

Mr. COOMBH asked what was the course to be
taken when it was desired to connect private houses
with the main drains, to which the CLXRK replied
that applications were to be made to the Board, who
would give their consent under the common seal, if it
were found that the applicants had a sufficient
supply of water on their premises to flush the pri-
vate drains. _ . .

A letter was read from Mr. Watson complaining
of a nuisance occasioned by the surface drainage con-
tiguous to his pretuises, and asking the Board to
sanction_the ineans of removing the nuisance.

The MAYOR said in reply to and other appli-
cations of a similar character, that it was a question
whether they ought to give their consent to connect
private houses with the main drains before they had
their water supply in proper order.
Mr. Coomics inquire 1 why they could not have the
water. . .

Mr. BISHOP observed that their present course
without the water supply was really a retrogade
movement. _ _

Mr. .lowirr, the Siirveyor to the Board, reported
as to certain persons who had a sufficient water•sup-
ply on their premises to carry off the house-drainage,
and who had made applications to connect, confor-
mably with the instructions of the Board.
In Mr. Watson's case the CLERK stated that Mr.
Watson had power under Act of Parliament to do
what he wanted at his own expense, and on its being
certified that the money had been thus expended,
and the work properly done, these expenses would
be allowed, under certain regulations, by the Cor-
poration.
THE SURVEYOR'S REPORT.

This report on the present state of the water-
works was now read as follows

" Jim reservoir was filled on the titlij (last Saturday
week), at an original depth ~f
17 feet, loss of water 64 inches in 12 hours.
15 „ o ii „ „12 „
14 „ a „12 „
4
12 „ .. 4
. I „
„12 „
10 „ „ „12 „
„12 „
„
3 „ 1 ' , ~12 „ „
There has not been any leakage from the valve.
"The contractor has inside good the defective joints in
the water pipes. It has reduced the leakage from 9
inches to 21 inches per hour.
" The pipes were tested on the 13th, they were tested in
sect. . Section No. 1 includes South-street and all on
the west side of it, about 14,000 feet of pipe containing
8,000 gallons. The loss from this portion, and the
reservoir at an original depth of 10 feet, was 31 inches
in 3 hours, or la inch I.er hour.
"No. 2 section includes High East-street and Dero-
gate street, 4,800 feet of pipe containing 2,000 gallons;
loss from reservoir, No. 1 and No. 2 sections, at an origi-
nal depth of 9 feet, 3a inches in 3 hours, or la inch per
hour.

"No. 3 section: Fordington, except Mill-street, 8,600
feet of pipe, containing 2,300 gallons; loss from reser-
voir, No. 1,2, and 3 sections, at an original delft' of 8
feet 6 inches, 2 feet 94 inches, in 15 hours, or 24 inches
per hour.
" No. 4 section: Ilill•atreet, 1,600 feet of pipe con-
taining 5110 gallons; loss from reservoir. No. 1,2, and 4
sections, at an original depth of 5 feet, ei inches in five
hours, or If inch nearly in one hour. It will be seen
from this that the leakage from the pipes is chiefly from
No. 1 and No. 3 districts, there being no leakage from
No. 2 district, and about I of an inch pm hour from No.
4 district. The contractor is doing all he can to find out
the defects, so that they may be remedied at once."
Mr. Gateig asked whether Mr. Jowitt had any
statement to show bow that report tallied with any
former report as to the leakages.
The MAYOR said that the leakage in the mains
which had 'men recently reported as nine inches in
twelve hours had been reduced to 2 and a in the
same space of time.
Mr. GALPIN That is as to the loss ill the pipes.
Now, as to the reservoir ?

The MAYOR said that the loss in the reservoir
was increasing. Ho added that in consequence of
their Surveyor having reported this fact to him, he
wrote to Mr. Whitehead apprising him of it. Mr.
Whitehead wrote, in reply, that the money having
been paid to the contractor without his consent, it
would now be for the Council to give any instruc-
tions they thought proper to remedy the defects
complained of, but that he must decline to interfere
in any way.

Mr. DIellOP had understood that Mr. Whitehead
would render any assistance he could during the pro-
gress of these works—that be would not object to
confer with Mr. Jowitt, if the latter required it. It
would be satisfactory to know whether Mr. White-
head had declined all such aid, and would give no
opinion upon the state of things when applied to.
The letter referred to by the Mayor applied only to
the reservoir. Was it a fact that Mr. Whitehead
repudiated any further interference with the works
generally?
The CLMRK said that Mr. Whitehead, while he was
averse to entering upon a correspondence as to these
works generally, would be happy to give Mr.
Jowitt any necessary information in his power.
Mr. MANYIKLD: DO We understand that Mr.
Whitehead has discharged himself altogether from
his services to this Board?

Mr. STANTON would hope that before Mr. White.
bead was paid that Hoard would come to a vote ex-
pressive of their sense of the manner in which he had
done his work. He, for one, was most dissatisfied
with it. Ho saw a member opposite (Mr. Emir)
smile; he could smile too, but he wished it were
with the consciousness that this business had been

well carried out, to the satisfaction of the town.
Unfortunately he had too good moon for believing
that this was not the case. .

Mr. lolitxririx : It ;pears to me that the way
we are going on since Mr. Whitehead has left us is
is attended with an enormous expense: how they
were to get the money he did not know; and these
very heavy expenses were constantly increasing.
The klsvou There is no doubt of it.

Mr. GALTIN asked if Mr. Whitehead had made
any communication in which he had relieved hinuielf
from the office of engineer?
Mr. SYMONIM, the Town Clerk, did not think he
had.

The MAYOR Slid there was also a letter addressed
to the Town Clerk, and dated a day earlier than the
above. It was to the effect that the Secretary of
State having had before loin the various documents
as to the carrying out of the works, and the Govern-
ment Inspector having reported thereon, Mr. White.
head requested payment of £l7O due to him, stating
that he could not allow it to stand over.
Mr. GALPIN asked whether there were not words
in the contract which permitted the Board to with-
hold payment to Mr. Whitehead for the Present?
Was there not something about the necessity of cer-
tain things being done to the satisfaction of the Board
before payment could I* demanded? He felt pretty
sure that such was the case.
Mr. MANFISLD observed that it would come to
this—they must pay a composition, their difficulties
having been greatly aggravated owing to the very

inefficient manner in which the works had been
done.
Mr. STANTOS thought Mr. Whitebesd's reply to
the Mayor's letter was a most shabby one.
Mr. BISHOP said that Mr. Whitehead fell back
upon the Government Inspector's Report.
Mr. MA : And we unfortunately have got
our leaky reservoir to fall back upon.
Mr. GALPIN Our reservoir lai.ks very considera-
bly; our engineer declines to have anything further
to do with it. Now what is to be done That is the
great question. Our attention ought to be devoted
seriously and calmly to the point—what we are to do.
Let us look the danger in the face, and apply the best
remedy possible. Mr. Dickens plainly said the reser-
voir was defective. There was no puddle under the
piers, where it ought to have been; then Mr. Dick-
ens makes no further mention of this palpable defect
in what is evidently the plan or specification of the
work, beyond stating that the contractor should be
called upon to make good the deficiency.
It having transpired that Mr. Jowitt had received a
letter from Mr. Whitehead, the Board desired to
have it produced, and the Town Clerk accordingly
sent for the document which was at the Town
Clerk's office. The letter in question ap=l
to have been elicited by some inquiries ad
by Mr. Jowitt to Mr. Whitehead, touching some
portion of these public works, and was in substance
as follow,:—" Mr. Whitehead hoped Mr. Jowitt
would not think it uncourteous, if, ender the circum-
stanecs in which he had been placed by the Dorches-
ter Town Council, he declined to answer his letter.
At. the same time, to Mr. Jowitt personally he should
be happy to render any assistance in his power, though
he (NIL Jowitt) had been placed in a false position
by the parties who had engaged him to build upon
another man's foundation. He should, however, be
happy to see him at Westonsuper•mare, and
explain any of the plans and details connected with
the works.

Mr. GALPIN : It ill unpardonable to treat the Town
Council in that way ;—and then to say that the
Town Council had put Mr. Jowitt in a "false posi-
tion !"

Mr. Essoit said he thought that 10 would put
the reserruir in a perfect state.
Mr. Jowirr, in reply to Mr. Mantleld, said that
the several testings of the reservoir and pipes would
cost £lO each.

Mr. G A LPIN WS/ SUM that they cost .£lO a week.
As to Mr. Whitehead's claim for payment, Mr.
GALPIN suggested an adjournment of the question, so
that the contract with Mr. Whitehead and matters
bearing upon it should be seen to. He questioned
whether there were not clauses in the contract which
had not been fulfilled.

The TowN CLINK said that he *Namely liked to
give an opinion, but it struck him there was some-
thing more to be done before Mr. Whitehead was
entitled to payment
Mr. GALPIN thought it was incumbent upon Mr.
Whitehead to see the whole of the contracts settled.

Mr. MANYIILD said the supply of water involved
the whole question; without that they could not go
on with the drainage; and it was obvious that some
steps must be immediately taken with regard to the
reservoir.

Mr. GALPIN remarked that Mr. Gregory had
offered to construct • reservoir, upon • plan of his
own, which he would guarantee should be perfect,
at .C4O less money than had been paid for their de-
fective reservoir made upon the plan of Mr. White-
head.

It was then agreed, on the motion of Mr. Galpin,
seconded by Mr. ENtioli—That Mr. Jowitt be
instructed to examine the reservior with the view
to point out an efficient remedy for the defects
existing in it; to state the means he would recom-
mend to be adopted; and an estimate of the expenses
incurred thereby.
The MAYOR then read the surveyor's report on the
Aurface drainage near the walks, at the back of
South-street, as follows :
" It has been found necessary, on account of the heavy
rains, to prevent any flooding to increase the site of the
grate. There has not been any flooding since this was
done, though there has been very heavy rain. It is
proposed, in order to decrease the flow of water to this
point, to put down a new grate opposite the Junetion
Hotel, and to enlarge the present one at the end of
Southetrect. Should this be done it will prevent any
flooding in future.
"I should recommend an alteration to be made in South
Rack-street, near Mr. Mondey's yard. The foot path
and gutter to be continued to the present grate, also a
new grate to be put down at the corner of the cross
street leading to South-street, to intercept the water,
and to do away with the present gutter across the street."

A conversation then ensued u to the course taken
by the surface, water in certain localities, and sug-
gestions made as to the placing of the gratings in
various situations. Mr. GALPIN strongly urged the
necessity of providing a remedy for the nuisance
existing opposite Mr. Davis's premise*, at the bottom
of Hospital-strcvt, where in wet weather there wa
a large accumulation of surface drainage, which
percolated into the cellar of the house and left the
most offensive refuse, positively dangerous to the
health of the iahabitanta.

On the application from persons to connect their
house drains with the public sewer being considered
—several of which were granted—
Mr. .MA Nriat.o said that he objected upon principle
to give permission to any individual until the water
was laid on; but, inasmuch u leave had been given
by a member of the Board ton certain party to
connect his drain, he (Mr. Manfield) did not see
how they could with justice refrain from granting
leave to the present applicants: they should all be
treated alike.

Orders were given as to the completion of the
paving of the streets; and after some general con-
versation on matters incidental thereto the Board
adjourned.

DORCHESTER LOCAL BOARD OF HEALTH.

MOXDAT, OCT. 24.

A meeting of the Local Board of Health was held
yesterday (Monday), at the Townhall ; present, H.
Lock, Esq., Mayor; Alderman Manfield, Council-
lors Devenish, Galpin, Stanton, Hodges, Ensor, and
Bennett.

ItZPOILT ON THE RINZIVOIII.
The MAYOR read the report as follow.:
To the Mayor. of Dorchester.

811,
In accordance with a resolution passed at the
Board meeting ott the 18th, I have to report that I
have carefully exaniined the reservoir, as to the cause
and remedy of the increased leakage.
On examining the side walls cracks were found at
about 14 inches from each angle, commencing at the
floor and going to within 2 feet of the water line when
full. Those in the N.B. and SE. angles are about one-
sixteenth of an inch wide, those on the N.W. and S.W.
angles are not so wide; there is also, on the north and
west sides, a crack at the junction of the floor with the
side walls. The paving about two of the piers has also
been moved, or the piers have settled, the joint is
broken. There were no cracks or signs of shrinking in
the arches or side walls, except those already mentioned.
It would seem from this, that as the puddle became
soft or plastic from the percolation of the water through
the bricks, the aide walls have been forced outwards by
the pressure of the water. I do not think this arises
from bad workmanship, for it is the same at every angle
and in the same place • this opinion is strengthened by
the fact, that upon observing the crack at the junction
of the floor with the side walls, the crack is only about
half the width where the wall is thicker, which will be
better understood by referring to the plan.
should recommend that these cracks be carefully
stopped up with cement, and that the whole surface of
the side walls and piers up to the water-line, be covered
with a coating of the beet Portland cement, carefully
trowelled on, and I of an inch thick, spread out at the
bottom so as to come on to the floor 2 inches.
The cost of this will be about £l3O.
I am your
Obedient Servant,
JEREMIAH JownT,
Bor. Surveyor.

Surveyor's Office, 24 October, 1859.
The MAron mid Mr. Jowitt also stated that per-
haps it would be well before actually cementing the
whole to try whether the stopping up of the arches
would not be sufficient.
. _ . .

Mr. STax•roa did not think they would be justi-
fied in doing anything until they knew their posi-
tion with Mr. Whitehead.

Mr. MANIIILD said Mr. Jowitt informed him, that
now after this £6O was laid out, he could not guaran•
tee it would not leak again.
The position of the cracks were here pointed out
by Mr. Jowitt. It appeared that they occurred at
each corner of the reservoir, the nine-inch wall hal-
ing fallen back from the eighteen-inch brickwork 4
the corners, thereby making lateral and upright fissures
a certain distance along the bottom and up each
corner.

Mr. ()ALP' observed that it had been said this
reservoir was built on the same plan as that at Wey-
mouth. Now it seemed that the Dorchester reservoir
was only nine inches thick, while at Weymouth it
was backed up with 4-feet 6-inches of masonry.
A question having been raised as to the position of
the Board in reference to Mr. Whitehead,
Mr. Svuostai said at the last meeting a letter
was read from Mr. Whitehead to Mr. Jowitt,
stating that he should be happy to give him any
information personally at Weston-super-Mare. Mr.
Jowitt showed him (Mr. Symonds) that letter, and
with the sanction of the Mayor he had written to
Mr. Whitehead that the position he had taken was
perfectly untenable, and that the explanations asked
by Mr. Jowitt were quite reasonable and ought to
have been answered. He had not received any
reply to that, but this morning he had received a
communication from Messrs. Baker, Son, and Phil-
lott, to the effect that Mr. Whitehead had consulted
them relative to the moneys due to him from the
Dorchester Local Board of Health amounting to
£lBO 16s. 100. Having gone tlimnsh the dif-
ferent documents they could not conceive why the
Board did not pay; and thsy hoped the money
would be forwarded without delay, or that Mr.
Symonds would instruct them why the Board refused
to pay. This letter was dated Westou-snper.Mare,
Sept. 22, 1869.
Mr. Baxiirrr asked if Mr. Dickens period the
tank.

—fie Mayon did not know that he paired the
tank

Mr. HODGES observed that with to the
reservoir Mr. Dickens' impression sesuirello be that
the loss of the water was diminishing, but that
there were still some alterations to he made to make
it what it should be. His (Mr. Hodges') opinion
was that they had a right to refer to Mr. White.
head. and that he had not taken the right course in
refusing to give them any information. He be-
lieved that under their contract they were still en-
titled to ask his advice.
Mr. MAXFIELD said he had discharged himself.
Mr. ENSOR replied that be had been superseded
in the office of surveyor by Mr. Jowitt, but not as
engineer.
Mr. Si-uorins stated that in the present position
of affairs he did not like to give an opinion, but if
he did it would be the mine as that he had given at
the last meeting.
Mr. ENSOR said Mr. Whitehead could not discharge
himself without fulfilling his contract, and seeing to
the completion of all the contracts.
The MAYOR said the real question before the
Board was, whether they ought at present to attempt
to remedy the leakage without referring to Mr.
Whitehead.
Mr. Bxximrr should recommend it not to be
touched without knowing their position.
Mr. Hopons thought it would be advisable to lay
the whole structure of the reservoir before some
competent party, that in the meantime they might
stop the cracks.
Mr. Gatrip concluded that that would not invali-
date any claim they had upon Mr. Whitehead.
Mr. SYMONDS said he should think not, because
Mr. Whitehead sets up a claim against the Board,
but it might be an undesirable thing to do, as it
might affect their defence against Mr. Whitehead.
Mr. HoPoits was of opinion that they should take
the opinion of some competent and independent per-
son who would take the specifications and examine
the works, and then report upon the merits of the
two taken together.
Mr. MANFIELD observed that Mr. Dickens' report
was of this character—its facts were all one way, and
the conclusion the other way. He added that three
things were now required—to ascertain first, whether
the plan was defective; secondly, if so, whether it
could be remedied; and thirdly, by what means, and
at what coat.

--
Mr. Eason said: Before you get an opinion why
not stop the cracks?
Mr. GALPIN decidedly objected to interfering with
the reservoir in any way at present. Suppose they
succeeded in stopping the cracks, and in • short time
the seine thing occurred again? He was clearly of
opinion that they ought not to tamper with the re•
servoir, but ascertain at once the important question
as to the defectiveness or otherwise of the plan.
Mr. NIANTHILD and other members exprened a
similar opinion.
Mr. Coons, Mr. LIATIIIM, Mr. SIMPSON, and
other engineers were named as persons from whom
an opinion might be had.
It was ultimately agreed that Mr. Coode, the engi-
neer of the Portland water, should be asked to
examine the reservoir and advise the Board upon its
plan and construction generally—whether the defects
could be remedied effectually—and what would be
neoF to be done for that purpose. The MAYOK
Pro and Mr. MANYIILD seconded a resolution
to effect, and it was unanimously carried.

COSTS Or THE YURLIC WORKS.
The MAYOR then read his Report into the present
cost of the public sewerage and waterworks, and
the probable further amount required to complete
the same, as follows
To the Tows Council of the Borough of Dorchester.
GIINTLZMIN,7 . .

In accordance with the desire ex-
pressed at your meeting on the 3rd inst., I have, in con-
junction with the Town Clerk, entered into an examina-
tion of the expenditure of the Board of Health, on ac-
count of the permanent works of drainage and water
supply for this borough, and I beg to report the result
of such my examination.
It appears that on account of the works to the present
time payments have been made as follows, viz.. :
2 s. d.
For the waterworks' site ...
_766 1 2

Mr. T. Spittle, for iron pipes 1770 0 0
Mears. Guest and Crimes, hydrants 194 14 0
Messrs. H. B. and J. Patten, digging well 40 17 6
Joseph Gawler, ditto ... 463 1 5
Messrs. Winter and Honey, engines... ... GA 14 1
Mr. Dodson, contract No. 5... 384.1 0 0
Mr. Gregory, reservoir contract 1016 5 0
Messrs. Burton and Co., pumping ... 300 0 0
Mr. Itodson, sewerage contracts A and B 3648 0 0
Messrs. Burton and Co., thishing valves ... 25 2 6
Poole Pottery Company, for pipes 226 16 2
Carriage of pipes ... 37 8 3
Engineer, on account of contract ... 150 0 0
Compensation settled for ... 51 10 0

£9764 10 1
The following sums still remaining unpaid will have
also to be charged to the permanent works' account :

T. Spittle, balance of contract ... 6 19 9
tined and Crimes, ditto ... ... 118 0
A. H. and J. Patten, eitto, work done ... 13 12 6
Winter and Ho:my, ditto of contract for
engines and extras - ... . . 376 7 3
P. INidson, ditto of waterworks contract
871710
G. Gregory, ditto reservoir contracts and
I'. Dodson, for timber and brickwork at

114 19 6
r. Dodson, balance of sewerage contract

Burton and Co., ditto of account for flush-
log valves 4 12 0
P. Dodson, for relaying main sewers... ... 124 1 6
G. Hennett, castings for ditto ... . . ... 618 6
Claim for hire of boring tools ... 48 0 0
Engineer's balance of contract ... 110 0 0

2244 5 5

There will also to be disposed of the several—o-u-tati.nd:
ing claims of compensation for drainage attenting the
execution of the works, which, aooording to the particu-
lars delivered, amount to ... ... 130 14 0
Claim of Mr. Dodson on account of an
alleged obstruction to his work,by
46 0 0
reason of the state of the river
And Mr. Whitehead's bill for extras
amounting to ... 70 16 10

049 10 10

Whatever portion may be ultimately paid on these
several items will be chargeable to the Permanent
Works account. .

During the progress of the works payments have been
made on account of the Clerk of the Works and Engl.
neer's travelling expenses, Sic., amounting to a sum of
1:356 Is. 441., and it has seemed to me doubtful whether
a great portion, if not the whole of that sum, should not
be borne by and charged to the General District Bate,
u • part of the establishment expenses of the Board,
both by reason of the lengthened time during which the
works have been in progress, and of there not having
been during such time any person filling the office of
surveyor to the Board. If, however, the Board should
be of • different opinion, this amount must be retained
to the debit of the Permanent Works Account, and my
summary of expenses will have to be increased to that
extent. • _

Taking therefore my views as a basis of calculation
the approximate result of my examination of the ex-
penditure of the Board on account of the works will be
somewhat as follows, viz.

Payments already made . 9764
19
1
Paymentato be made for balan

Crusts, ko. 2244 5 5
Claims lot damages, &A., if paid in full.. 249 10 10

12258 6 4

Against this sum of £12,258 fe. 4d., however, there
will have to be placed the balance in hand on account of
the £ll,OOO loan, but under any circumstances there
will be an excess of expenditure, pest and prospective,
beyond the amount already raised, and to meet which it
will be necesamy to contract an additional loan.
In conclusion, I would venture to recommend that
any application for further borrowing powers should be
suspended until the works are complete and made avail-
able to the inhabitants, as until that is done it will be
difficult to estimate the amount for the raising of which
such powers should be sought
Dorchester, 21.riti October, 1869.

Mr. Whitehead haring made a formal demandlfor
the payment of the balance of his account, amount-
ing to 912-0, alleged to be due to him from the
Board, the Clerk was ordered, after some conver-
sation, to acknowledge the receipt of Mr. Whithead's
letter' and to ray that the Board were not at present
prepared to comply with Mr. Whitbewl's request.
A long conversation then arose as to the expe-
diency of their taking power to raise a sum of money
sufficient to meet the 'liabilities of the Board, and
also as to the amount it would be proper so to raise.
Three different stuns were spoken of, £1,500,
£1,700, and £2,000.
Mr. CALM FlMpollei. Sad Mr. HODOILIS seconded,
the raising of £1,700; and Mr. klxxrigui,
seconded by Mr. STANTON. proposed an amendment
that the sum raised should be £2,000, Mr. Manfield
stating, in reply to an observation that they would
be unable to show satisfactorily that the larger sum
was actually required, that he himself would under-
take to show the Secretary of State that the whole
of the £2,000 would be wanted.

On the amendment being put it was last by 5 to
2; the original motion was then carried.
The meeting shortly afterwards adjourned.

STU R MINSTER NEWTON.

LITIRARY INSMUTION.—The opening lecture to
the members of this valuable institution will be de-
livered on Wednesday, the 26th inst., by W. Col-
bourne, Fag., on "Astronomy," and we have no
doubt the subject and the lecturer will command a
full house.