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Owing largely to changes in the method of disinfection, shelters are used much less frequently
than before, and in Greenwich the upper of two flats of the shelter has been let at a weekly rental. It is
undoubtedly desirable that shelters should be maintained, even if their use is now less frequently needed
than before. Shelters are especially useful for the isolation of " contacts they are now occasionally
used for the accommodation of persons who have been exposed to the infection of small-pox, and who
thus, if they subsequently develop this disease, do so under conditions which do not expose other persons
to risk, i n this respect they serve an exceedingly useful purpose, which may be of far-reaching influence.
It will be seen from the above figures that the amount of use of shelters varies very much in different
districts, a fact which is not fully explained by difference in the methods of disinfection. Referring to
the small amount of use of the shelter in St. Marylebone, Dr. Meredith Young writes :—" The district
inspectors have from time to time been reminded that it is their duty to enquire particularly into the
manner in which those displaced from their homes during disinfection of premises intend to dispose of
themselves during that time, and if they are not satisfied that they will be able to obtain lodgment
without danger to the public health, they are to very strongly urge upon the people concerned the use
of the shelter. It is feared that this instruction has not been as faithfully carried out as it might have
been. The matter is, therefore, one which will require further and continued supervision."
Mortuaries.
During the year, the erection of a new mortuary was completed in Deptford. The mortuary
stands on the same site as the coroner's court, disinfecting station and shelter. Two mortuary
chambers are provided, one of which is used for the deposit of bodies of people who have died from
infectious diseases, and with these chambers are a post-mortem room, waiting room, w.c.'s, etc. Plans
for a new mortuary in Cottage-street, Poplar, have been approved; and arrangements have been made by
the Lambeth Borough Council for the construction of a mortuary on a small portion of a site in
Romany-road, Norwood, which is being developed for use as a dust depot. The mortuary in Highstreet,
Lambeth has been imnroved at a cost of nearly £1,500.

The number of bodies removed to mortuaries is nearly 12 per cent. of the total number of bodies
of persons dying in London in 1908.
The Cleansing of Persons.
The demand for opportunity for the cleansing of persons from verminous conditions continues to
increase in London. The extent of use of the accommodation provided for this purpose is shown in the
following annual reports.