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disinclination to making use of the shelter, but there has been no very great difficulty
in overcoming their objections and persuading them as to the necessity of it, especially
when it is made clear to them that they are legally entitled to such temporary accommodation
by.Act of Parliament.
DISINFECTANTS.
From the end of June to the middle of November packets of disinfecting powder
were given away on application to the clerk of the Sanitary Department. Altogether
2,577½-lb. packets, or 11½ cwts. of "Sanitas" disinfecting powder were distributed
to 2,385 applicants. Enquiry was made in each case as to the use for which the
powder was intended, and insanitary conditions thus came under the notice of the
department. The cost of the "Sanitas" powder distributed was £7 4s. Nearly as
possible about half what it was in 1893.
In addition to the general distribution of powder, two-thirds of a 26-gallon cask
of carbolic acid was used, at a cost of £3 18s. This last has been largely used
in connection with special cases of infectious disease, for flushing house drains,
cleansing floors and woodwork of dwelling rooms, and at the public mortuary.
PUBLIC MORTUARY.
The number of dead bodies received into the mortuary during the year amounted
to 350.
The number during the preceeding five years are as follows:—
TABLE XVIII.
Year 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893
300 337 346 375 471
The bodies of 8 persons who had died of infectious disease were removed to the
mortuary by the Sanitary Authority.
The number of post-mortem examinations performed in the post-mortem room
attached to the mortuary was 60.
VAGRANTS AND THE SPREAD OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
With a view to considering what steps might be taken to prevent the spread of
infectious diseases by the class of persons known as vagrants, a meeting convened by
the London County Council was held at the County Hall, Spring Gardens, on July
19th. There was a large attendance of delegates from the various sanitary
authorities and Medical Officers of Health. Certain points were proposed for
discussion, embodying suggestions which have been made from time to time for
dealing with the subject, and with a view to promoting legislation.
The resolutions arrived at were to the following effect:—
1. That common shelters which are not subject to the law relating to
common lodging houses should be made subject to such law.