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Baths and Washhouses Acts.
The Vestry, in November, 1895, resolved that the Baths and Washhouses
Act, 1846 (9 & 10 Vict., cap. 74), and the Acts amending the same,
be adopted for the Parish of Fulham, but it is to be regretted that beyond
the appointment of Commissioners nothing has yet been done to carry the
Act into effect. These are unquestionably much wanted in Fulham, and
should be provided without further delay. It has been argued that they
are not required because most of the houses in the parish are provided with
baths, but this is a mistaken notion, as the majority of the houses in the older
portion of the parish are without baths, and at the present time a large
number of houses are being erected intended for two families, which are not
provided with them.
Average London has not yet reached any high standard of sensibility
to dirt, and anything which will tend to raise that standard should certainly
be promoted. I trust, therefore, that the Vestry will not stultify themselves,
but will, without further delay, erect suitable baths and washhouses in some
easily accessible part of the parish.
House Refuse.
The service for the collection of house refuse has been fairly satisfactory,
and there have been comparatively few complaints of non-removal excepting
after holidays, which somewhat dislocate the arrangements.
The Vestry have not yet definitely decided on the erection of a "Dust
Destructor," but a Committee has been appointed to visit Destructors in work
at various places, and advise the Vestry as to the most suitable.
Factories and Workshops.
A considerable amount of work has been done in connection with the
above during the year, and most of the factories and laundries—and of
the latter there are large numbers in the parish—have been inspected, and
great improvements effected in their sanitary condition.
Unsound Food.
Six seizures were made of unsound food, in all of which proceedings were
taken by the Vestry and penalties to the amount of inflicted. The
necessity for more supervision being exercised over the food supply of the
parish is a matter that I have on several occasions brought under the notice
of the Vestry, and I am strongly of opinion that there should be a special