A statement has reached us which, if true, is a
curious illustra- tion of the impotence of local public opinion. It is said that for two months during last summer Bristol and Clifton were entirely deprived of their usual water supply, and that even up to this time no adequate remedy has been applied. It is hardly to be wondered at, considering the filth and misery which must result from such a state of things, that low fever has broken out in the poorer parts of the town. The distress among the lower orders during the summer drought may be measured when we state that washerwonaen were to our knowledge paying 20s. a week for their water. The inhabitants of Clifton were charged for their water even during the two months during which they received none, and apparently had no remedy, owing to the loose way in which the Act giving a monopoly to the water company was framed. We fear that even now the influence of the water company in Bristol is so great that no attempt will be made to alter the Act in the
next session of Parliament. It is even stated, though we can scarcely credit the fact, that inrorder to enhance their profits the water company have bought up the wells and springs from which the poor formerly obtained their water supply.
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