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weeks, and, with no little difficulty, lodgings had to be found, at
a considerable expense, for some 22 persons, members of 6
families. It is a difficult question, doubtless, but, as I stated in
my 12th report (December 10th, p. 161), the best solution
would be found in compliance with the provisions of the law,
in the interests of public health and humanity alike. I have
only to add that at the meeting of your Vestry, held on 5th
July, 1893, the question of providing a shelter was referred to
the Sanitary Committee for consideration and report, and that at
the present writing (March, 1896), the question is still " under
consideration."
PUBLIC BATHS AND WASH-HOUSES.
The Baths and Washhouses at the junction of Lancasterroad
and Silchester-road, Notting Hill, opened in April,
1888, have been well supported: the washers in the year
ended March 25th, 1896, were 55,550, an increase of 2,377
over the preceding year; the bathers 110,091, an increase
of 12,731. But for the majority of the parishioners the
site is not sufficiently central for bathing; and, obviously,
it is too remote for washing purposes. The same objection
would apply to any single site in the parish. Much
good might be effected by the provision of buildings, on a
modest scale, in several localities, to which the poor could
resort for the purpose of washing clothing. The statistics
contained in the successive annual reports of the Commissioners
for Baths and Washhouses, show a constantly
increasing use made of the washhouses, and are of a nature
to encourage the hope that it may be found practicable to
provide, at no distant time, for the wants of the poor, in the
central and southern parts of the parish.