Shanghai, 16th December, 1891.
Sm,—Referring to the letter which I addressed to you on the Ith November directing your attention to the offensive stench from the dye pond on the North side of Boone Road, and your reply intima that you were then having it filled in, Iam. directed to inform you that the Health Officer has reported to the Council that many cases of illness have occurred in the neighbourhood of this pond which may be traced to miasmatic influences, that the residents in the neighbourhood complain of a peculiar sickening smell arising from the stagnant water, and that the pond is a public nuisance, and a source of danger to those living in its vicinity.
As nearly five weeks have elapsed since fas since been made with the filling in of on wrote, and comparatively little: progress the pond, Iam now directed to give you notice that it must be drained at once, and if Sonetor you at your fou prefer it the Council will have the work am, Sir, Your obedient servant, R. F. Taonsury.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.