The Sun.
London, England, 1855-01-17 00:00:00

THE DRAINAGE OF THE METROPOLIS.

Mr. THWAITES proposed the subjoined resolutions :
"That this Commission, feeling a deep anxiety for the
permanent and efficient drainage of the metropolis,
the freedom of the river Thames from pollution, and
the removal of all sewage to the distant marshes
east of London, which are free from human habi-
tation, has given its most careful attention to the
several schemes which have been laid' before it, for the
purpose of accomplishing such desirable results; and has,
by virtue of the powers given by Parliament, proceeded
to raise the sum of 300,0001. for these specific objects.
While desirous of acknowledging the merits of many
of these plans, this Commission is of opinion that, for
the drainage of that part of the metropolis south of the
Thames (most of which is below and subject to tidal
influence) the main tunnel sewers and branches, as set
out in the Great London Drainage Scheme,' which has
been twice subjected to the scrutiny of a select com-
mittee of the House of Commons, and supported by high
engineering talent and practical 'knowledge, appears
(subject to any improvements in detail) the best calm
laced effectually to drain the said district, and is of suffi-
cient capacity for the intercepting and conveyance of all
sewage, at the same time permitting, in cases of extra.
ordinary rain falls, the water to pass into the Thames,
thus rendering unnecessary the high level sewers, as em-
bodied in the scheme of 3lr. -13azalg,ette, the engineer to
this commission, aed thereby effecting a saving to the
ratepayers of no less a sum than 800,0001. The great
London drainage plan of tunnel sewers running through
the most populous localities of the low level districts of
Sonthwark and Lambeth, will not only provide an efficient
outfall for the said district, but will intercept the sewage
which is now discharged into the Thames. Mr. Bazal-
gette's plan, while it provides for the rural districts of
Clapham, Battersea, Peckham, Camberwell, Denmark-
hill, and Dulwich, &c., leaves an area of 3,300 acres (as
coloured blue on his plan) on the banks of the Thames,
and densely populated, entirely destitute either of
improved drainage or outfall, and permits the sewage of
that large and important district to discharge into the
river. This Court, therefore, resolves that immediate
steps be taken to carry into effect the plan as set out .in
the Great London Drainage Scheme,' with such alte-
rations and improvements as may be suggested to the
Commission, so far as it relates to that part of the me-
tropolis south of the Thames. That the proper officers
of this Court report at its next sitting what land will
be required for the outlet, with plans and estimates of
the requisite buildings, and of supplying steam power
and machinery to discharge the sewage, when collected
at the marsh, into the River Thames at high water."
Dr. SAYER moved an amendment, to the effect "That
the engineers of this commission be requested to pre-
'pare, for the information of the commissioners, a report
on the improved sewerage and drainage south of the
Thames, the discharge-outfall being at or near Plumstead-
marshes." The learned doctor's argument in favour of
his amendment was interrupted by the adjournment of
the debate to Tuesday next.