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cases of cholera, typhus fever, and smallpox, A few typhoid
fever cases, where the bedding had become soiled by the discharges,
were similarly treated, but scarlet fever and diphtheria
only received attention when a special request for disinfection
was made by the people themselves. The apparatus in use was
Frazer's hot air oven heated by gas. The advantages of steam
over hot air as a disinfecting agent were pointed out, and the
necessity for disinfection after each case of typhoid fever, scarlet
fever and diphtheria insisted upon. A resolution that a steam
disinfector should be provided was passed, and the Public
Health Committee was instructed to report on the different types
of apparatus in use, with a view that an efficient disinfector
should be provided as speedily as possible.
New Bye-laws for Houses Let in Lodgings
were under consideration during the greater part of the year.
Ultimately differences of opinion were adjusted and a form, which
satistied the requirements of the Local Government Board,
evolved. They were urgently required, and it is anticipated they
will greatly facilitate tbe work of the Public Health Department.
Removal of House Refuse.—In connection with the
subject of diarrhoea, I have already pointed out the necessity for
improvement in the matter of house refuse removal. Again and
again, in visiting the district, one comes upon the familiar sight
of a dustbin full to overflowing, with a rapidly growing heap of
refuse by its side. Clerkenwell houses used to be provided, in
nearly every case, with a brick-built ashpit, generally of considerable
size. While these were in existence the accumulation
of refuse was not so much noticed (though the evils of such
accumulations were not altered). Since these porous filthsaturated
structures have been largely replaced by non-porous
netal bins of smaller size the defects of the present system have
been brought into greater prominence. The emptying of every
dustbin in the parish, at least once a week, is essential to a
satisfactory state of the public health, and should at once be
arranged for. I am afraid this cannot be done without increased