§ MR. MONKasked the First Commissioner of Works, Whether his attention has been called to the offensive effluvium arising from the exposed mud in the basin of the ornamental water in Saint James's Park; why so unusual a season of the year has been selected for cleansing the basin; and, whether he will take steps to expedite the work with a view to the readmission of the water as soon as possible?
§ MR. AYRTONsaid, in reply, that he had been to the Park that day, but he could not discover the offensive effluvium, probably because the precaution had been taken to cover the mud with lime as soon as it was discovered to be necessary, so that no great inconvenience had been suffered, and of course the mud would be cleared away as soon as possible. The reason why the work was being done now was that it could not be commenced until it was certain that frost would not return. The work would be carried on as rapidly as circumstances would permit.