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45
DISINFECTION.
The Washington Lyon Steam Disinfecting Apparatus has now
been at work for more than twelve months, and so far as we can
judge we have every reason to be satisfied with its performance.
At first we had some little difficulty, and some bedding was spoiled
by the condensed water from the steam; but since the machine
has been properly covered with non-conducting material, and we
have gained more experience in its working, there has been no
further trouble.
The pattern of machine we have, with a door at each end, is
worked with a minimum of labour, and I do not think will be
much improved upon. My opinion, expressed in previous reports,
as to the value of high pressure steam as a means of disinfection,
remains unchanged. Mr. John W. Lyon informs me that
machines similar to ours have been fixed at St. James's, Westminster,
Deptford, Plumstead, Hampstead, and also for the Admiralty at
the Royal Hospital School, Greenwich.
SLAUGHTER HOUSES, BAKEHOUSES, AND
COWSHEDS.
All these have been kept under careful supervision, and call for
no special remark. It was not necessary to oppose the renewal of
any licence at the sessions in November. A complete list of the
existing licences will be found in the appendix.
Some new regulations have been issued by the Metropolitan
Board of Works under section 34 of the Contagious Diseases
(Animals') Act. They came into operation in August. The
provisions are somewhat more stringent than those of the old Order,
especially with respect to prevention of the spreading of infectious
disease by the agency of milk. The Board has supplied this
Vestry with a list of registered premises, and has arranged to give
notice to your Medical Officer of Health of any outbreak of
infectious disease upon the premises of a purveyor of milk.
The following are the regulations referred to:—