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14
The Sanitary Committee resolved to recommend the
Vestry to empower the Committee to take such steps as in
case of emergency they might deem necessary.
This Report was adopted by the Vestry.
At a meeting of the Sanitary Committee, June 2nd,
1893, a letter was read from the Clerk to the Asylums
Board to the effect that the available accommodation for
scarlet fever cases and for diphtheria was nearly exhausted,
and it was resolved:—
"That the Committee do take suitable premises and
furnish the same for the purpose of isolating cases
of scarlet fever and diphtheria in the parish, and
that the Chairman, Mr. Stokes, and the Medical
Officer of Health be deputed to carry out the
undertaking."
Subsequently Mr. Hopkins, Dr. O'Brien, and Mr.
Soames were added, and the Sub-committee as thus constituted,
from that date onwards, under the chairmanship of
Mr. Hopkins, managed the affairs of the Hospital.
The original small Committee of three interviewed
most of the house agents in the N.W. of London and
examined and negotiated respecting a considerable number
of premises which seemed to be more or less suitable.
Ultimately Lord Portman, through Mr. Hunt, placed Nos.
55 & 57, Marylebone Road, free of cost, at the disposal of
the Vestry.
The letter conveying this intimation is couched in the
following terms:—
The Portman Estate,
30, York Place, Portman Square,
June 16th, 1893.
Dear Sir,
Referring to our recent correspondence, I am instructed by Lord Portman, in
reply to your letter of the 15th, to inform you that, recognising the public necessity
of temporary hospital accommodation in the present crisis, he is willing to allow the
Vestry to make temporary use of the premises, Nos. 55 and 57, Marylebone Road, for the
purpose of fever cases, other than smallpox, from this parish. Lord Portman is of opinion