86 A HISTORY OF LONGEIDGE. [Chap. 3. 



of the petitioners, stated at tlie iuc^uiry " that the condition of things 

 was favourable to the propagation of epidemic disease, and that the 

 Medical Officer of Health had in successive reports drawn attention to 

 the unsatisfactory state of Longridge as regards its sewerage, and that 

 if some measures were not taken to rectify this state of matters the 

 result would be a severe epidemic, which would carry off a number of 

 inhabitants." Mr. Finch also quoted the report, in which such terms 

 as "scandalous" were used by Dr. Trimble with reference to the want 

 of a system of sewerage in Longridge. At another meeting Mr. Finch 

 stated " that he thought they would be able to get at the necessary 

 sanitary work in three months from the formation of the Board." 



In chapter I. we have seen how the people of Longridge in 1650 

 exaggerated their inconveniences in religious matters in order to add 

 weight to their argument. The last statement of Mr. Finch looks very 

 much like the "exaggeration" of the people in 1650. Nearly six 

 years have elapsed since the formation of the Local Board, and we are 

 no nearer the solution of the sewerage question to-day than we were 



in 1883. 



* 



Delays are, proverbially, dangerous. And in such a vital matter as 

 this delay is more than dangerous — it is simply inviting an epidemic. 

 Full credit is due to the Board for the excellent work they have done, 

 but in the words of a wise man I would say — " these things ought ye 

 to have done, but not to have left the others undone." 



New offices for the Board have just been completed in the Market 

 Place. The meetings, as a rule, have been quiet and orderly, the 

 only complaint I have heard of being that there is "too much talk." 

 But certainly the Board have done much, at a small cost, to improve 

 the external appearance of Longridge, and they deserve every credit 

 for the way in which they have done their work. And if only they are 

 supported by the inhabitants, we see no reason why Longridge should 

 not become a favourite and popular health resort. 



Perhaps I should here state that this Board wUl cease to exist in 

 1889 under the provisions of the new Local Government Bill; but, of 

 course, the members will be eligible for the District Council. 



