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yards further down stream there is a second bed. The 
sewage is mixed with a large quantity of water on joining 
the main stream, and is carried seawards over the bar—a 
short distance away—on the ebb tide. 
| have thought it better to describe the different 
sewage outfalls at length, in order that tle Committee may 
know their position in relation to the Mussel Beds. 
As regards the list of Mussel Beds which, in my 
opinion, are contaminated with sewage, | think there can be 
little doubt that grave danger to health exists i eating 
Mussels gathered from the Egremont Bed. Here we have 
direct evidence that death has resulted from eating 
Mussels gathered near the Egremont Ferry slip. At the 
moment there are not many sizeable Mussels left, but on 
tides which cause big ebbs a number of persons may 
be seen gathering them. A strike of young Mussels has, 
however, recently taken place, and the fish are now growing 
fast. Considermg the very large quantity of sewage 
discharged into the Mersey in this neighbourhood, I am of 
opinion that Mussels should not be removed for human 
food between Rock Ferry and New Brighton. To this 
there can be no reasonable objection. The fishermen 
are not dependent on Mussels from this place ; the beds 
are of little value; and the danger to health from 
eating them is, I think, a serious matter. With regard to 
other Mussel Beds, I hesitate to report on them, pending 
Dr. Sergeant's report to the Public Health Committee for 
Laneashire, and the report of the result of the analysis of 
the samples of the water taken by Mr. Halliwell from the 
vicinity of the beds. 
The whole question of pollution of Shell-fish by 
sewage is both a difficult and complecated one. In the 
case of the Egremont Bed, which is practically situated in 
the centre of sewage deposit, there can be little doubt as to 
