Mr. Sloman. Is it not a fact that in erecting ordinary dwellings they have an incinerating plant, by which they take care of the garbage by burning it?
Mr. Frank. It may be done in country homes, but it is not done on vessels.
Dr. McCullough. I am much interested in the description of the device given by this gentleman, and I may say that on the Muskoka Lakes, where about 30,000 people go every year, we carry out in principle what he proposes. We have not the automatic device that he has, but what we have answers the purpose very well. The sewage all goes into a large tank, and live steam is turned into that for 20 minutes. The requirement is that the effluent shall not be poured into any of the harbors; it must be turned into the middle of the lake. All the steamboats are under one company, and they are very willing to carry out this device or arrangement because it is a good advertisement for them. They are catering entirely to passenger and freight and bringing people to this summer resort, so that our task in getting them to establish the arrangement is an easy one.
Now, we are beginning to establish similar arrangements on the boats plying around Georgian Bay. With regard to the garbage which is thrown from the boats, I do not think we have very much complaint about the Muskoka Lakes, because it is eaten up by the gulls and birds found in large numbers on the waters. I am very much interested in the description of this device, and will be glad to know it is a satisfactory one, because if it turns out to be so, it will probably be established on our boats when any new ones come in to be equipped.
Mr. Mignault. Regarding the tank installed on the Muskoka Lakes, is the effluent rendered harmless?
Dr. McCullough. I think undoubtedly, because the steam is turned on for 20 minutes, and I think that would settle everything.
Mr. Powell. What is the cost of the plant?
Dr. McCullough. It is comparatively small.
Mr. Dallyn. I think about $100 would be the cost.
Mr. Tawney. I have here a letter which the chairman asked me to present. It reads as follows: