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69
Medical men, the clergy, district visitors, and others who
are specially brought into contact with the poor, are invited
to assist the Vestry in preventing the spread of disease
which may arise from the retention of a corpse in a room
occupied perhaps by a number of people in a thicklypopulated
neighbourhood, by making known, as occasion
requires, the provision made for the reception of bodies in
a decent manner, and with all possible deference to the
natural feelings of the bereaved relatives.
As the main object of providing a mortuary and disinfecting
apparatus is to protect the parishioners at large
against the spread of infectious disease, either may be used
without charge. Information as to the mode of proceeding
in such a case may be freely obtained at the Vestry Hall.
OTHER PARISH PROPERTY.
Eleven freehold houses on the east side of Marshall Street
were purchased in the year 1819, for parochial purposes.
Two of the houses are now absorbed in the Workhouse
premises, and the site of five others has been utilised for the
erection of the Public Baths and Wash-houses. The
remaining four houses have for some years past been let on
repairing agreements. During the year the Vestry gave
notice to the tenant of No. 23, Marshall Street, to give up
possession of the house at Lady-day, 1897, and also took
into consideration the conditions of tenancy of Nos. 20,
21 and 22, with the result that the agreements with the
tenants of Nos. 20 and 21 were renewed at an increased
rental, and the tenant of No. 22 was given notice to give
up possession of the premises at Midsummer this year. The
rent received for these four houses, together with the sum
receivable from the Westminster Union in respect of that
portion of the Workhouse premises belonging to the Parish
of St. James, is applied in aid of the Poor Rate.