By Isle of Wight Observer
We thought this report of some innovative ideas for dealing with sewage would amuse our readers. It appeared 171 years ago in the Isle of Wight Observer published on 16th December, 1854. We wonder what Mr Baskett’s neighbours thought!
These days we don’t usually say that there are discussions by councillors “of no public interest, and unworthy of being chronicled” – but they certainly still take place!
RYDE COMMISSIONERS.
A general monthly meeting of the above Board took place at the Town-hall on Tuesday evening, for the following purposes, in addition to the usual business:—
[…]
HIGHWAYS.
The following report was read:
“The Highway Committee have had under their serious consideration the drainage of the town, but have not as yet come to any conclusion as to that plan which they would recommend the General Board to adopt, and it is with a view of giving every member of this commission an opportunity of considering the subject that they broach it upon the present occasion.
“The Committee are anxious, if possible, to remove and to keep from the shore the whole drainage, and this they hope it may be found possible to do by carrying the trunks to the marshes, and there collecting and deodorizing the sewage matter in reservoirs, and which might be then used for agricultural purposes, and become a source of considerable profit to the town.
“The Committee hope to procure a small quantity of the material for deodorizing sewage, and with which they propose experimenting upon the sewage now collected in the garden of Mr. Baskett, and who has given his consent to their so doing.”
Moved by Mr Young, and seconded by Mr. Futcher, “That the clerk be instructed to write to the firm for the manufactory of the deodourising matter, to ascertain what towns have adopted the deodourising matter.”
After some discussion of no public interest, and unworthy of being chronicled, The motion was carried. The meeting was then adjourned till Thursday, the 21st inst., at 6 o’clock in the evening.