8o Appendix B. 



THE WORK OF THE DRAINAGE COMMITTEE. 



1. In 1901 we oiled every stagnant pool in the village. The 

 mosquitoes were so greatly reduced in numbers that we were sat- 

 isfied that our supply was chiefly of local origin. It was especially 

 noticeable that they were very scarce in houses in the Fall. We ex- 

 pended about $1,000 during the season, but not a dollar for permanent 

 improvement. 



2. In 1902 we did some draining, filling of holes and oiling what 

 stagnant water we could not abolish. The results were emphatic. We 

 expended about $i,2C0 — one half of this sum was for permanent work. 



3. In 1903 we abolished more than half the wet places in the 

 village, while the Board of Health did the oiling. The eighteen days 

 continuous rain fall in June and the twelve days rain fall in August 

 produced abundance of mosquitoes in towns and villages where they 

 are seldom seen. Towns normally mosquitoless had a pest in 1903. 

 South Orange suffered like the others, but for a far shorter time than 

 those towns where anti-mosquito measures were not taken. We ex- 

 pended about $1,500 — mostly for permanent work. 



4. In 1904 we hope to complete the work of draining, filling and 

 cleaning up the remaining wet places in town. 



Our sewer system will be in use during the year, and the work of 

 filling up over 1,500 cesspools will begin. These cesspools have been 

 generally oiled, but many have escaped attention. They are great 

 breeders of domestic mosquitoes unless covered with oil. 



Our village trustees are now awake to the importance of caring 

 for our waterways, and water from streets will not be allowed to 

 pour into vacant lots to form breeding places. 



The township authorities are keeping the east branch of the Rah- 

 way River cleaned out to its proper depth. They should also keep all 

 street gutters clean and free from standing water. Many property 

 owners have done a great deal of draining on their own account and 

 much more is promised. 



5. If we have about $2,000 to spend and an average Summer rain 

 fall, we confidently predict a smaller supply of mosquitoes in South 

 Orange than ever before. 



6. We have every reason to expect West Orange, Orange and East 

 Orange to join in the movement in 1904. Vailsburg and Maplewood 

 may also do something. Newark and Elizabeth have already begun 

 drainage work on the salt marshes. 



We desire a subscription from every householder in the village, 

 however small it may be. This work is for the benefit of all, and all 

 should support the movement. 



The improved appearance of our village, resulting from our work, 

 should entitle the committee to receive the support of the whole com- 

 munity. 



Forward subscriptions to 



Mr. E. S. ALLEN, Treasurer, 

 Scotland Road, South Orange, N. J. 



