The very rapid thaw helped by an inopportune down- pour
of rain was expected to cause serious floods, and the expectation has been more than fulfilled. Probably the floods are the worst ever known. Many towns, particularly, of course, in the Thames Valley, are sur- rounded by miles of flood water. Much damage has been done to bridges and culverts on roads and railways. The question ought to be seriously asked whether the methods of draining -off flood water are all that they might be. Those people in the North-East districts of London whose houses are submerged up to the first floor have very good reason to press the question. Last week we wrote about the Report of Lord Bledisloe's Commission on land drainage. The Report was con- cerned with agriculture, but it has other applications. At present there are three hundred and sixty-five drainage authorities in England and Wales. Until their functions are concentrated there will be no improvement.
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