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15
it, the machinery, then about 19 years old and practically worn
out, began to give way. Many articles of clothing were spoiled,
and compensation had to be paid in several instances. In other
cases the work was no doubt ineffectually done, and on a full
report being presented, it was at once seen that a larger station,
with up-to-date machinery and appliances, was necessary, if the
work was to be carried out efficiently.
Moreover, the disinfecting work was rapidly increasing.
Hospitals, school, and other institutions commenced to call upon
the authority to disinfect, whilst in private cases we had Measles,
Erysipelas, Phthisis, and similar cases that were entirely ignored
in the brave old days, and that were now calling for disinfection
by the authority, just as in the case of more recognised infectious
diseases.
Something had to be done, and that with very little delay, to
prevent the scandal that was within measurable distance of a
London Sanitary Authority being caught with no proper
disinfecting station and appliances.
First the Committee proposed to obtain a site outside of
and quite apart from the Depot. From one cause or another,
which need not be recapitulated here, one proposition after the
other had to be abandoned, and the Committee finally decided to
appeal to both the Stores and Works Committees for a little
more space, to enable them to erect a larger and more suitable
building within the Depot.
Both the Stores and Works Committees favourably responded,
and after weary months, during which the Committee
visited several of the more recently erected stations in London,
they were at last able to instruct Mr. Ayling to proceed with
plans and particulars of cost, &c.
Our troubles were, however, not yet ended. On applying to
the Local Government Board for a loan, detailed plans and other
requirements were called for, and which bid fair to upset all that
had been done, and to take us back to chaos.