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112
ovens, when the requirements of the Act are barely complied with,
the conditions found, as was to be expected, were far from satisfactory.
The next unfavourable condition most commonly met
with was a defective state of the floor, and 17 notices have been
served in connection with this matter. It was the exception
rather than the rule to find a smooth impermeable floor, giving
facilities for being easily swept and kept clean. The two conditions
mentioned comprised the common defects. What follows
fortunately existed only in exceptional cases. Thrice I found
accumulation of rubbish in the bakehouse; once rabbits kept in
a recess. In two cases there was a gully, and in one an
unenclosed water-closet placed in a space opening off the bakehouse.
In one case I found the dustbin was kept regularly in
the bakehouse, and in two other cases an ash and dust heap in
a corner, evidently the accumulation of several days. In one
case the cistern for the supply of the bakehouse was in an
adjoining cellar at the level of the ground—the water could only
be obtained by dipping the pail into it. It is quite a common
occurrence to store the coals in the bakehouse, and in one case
I found the coal cellar used as a flour store. On the whole, in
too many cases, the standard of cleanliness is much too low.
Bakehouse sweepings have a certain commercial value; they are
sold, I believe, to pig keepers. It is a custom to sweep the
refuse from the floor, under the troughs used in laying the
sponge, and these spaces are cleaned out at uncertain and comparatively
long intervals. It is perhaps unnecessary to say
that every part of the floor should be swept at least once a day,
and the refuse kept in properly covered vessels. It has been the
custom to inspect the bakehouses twice a year; experience shows
that this is not sufficient, and it is proposed in the future, where
conditions found have shown the necessity, to call upon them at
much more frequent intervals.
Disinfecting Apparatus.—In October, a report was
presented to the Vestry showing the unsatisfactory character of
the methods of disinfection in use in the district. It had been
the custom to disinfect the bedding, clothing, carpets, &c., in all