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Some structural alterations were made at the Shelter, in order to provide
additional space required in connection with the extension of the disinfecting
plant. The kitchen on the ground floor has been converted into a storage
place for the reception of articles that have been through the process of disinfection,
and a room on the first floor fitted up as a kitchen in place thereof.
This re-arrangement has the advantage of installing the kitchen on the same
floor as the apartments used by the visitors to the Shelter, and obviates the
necessity for a good deal of going up and down stairs in the preparations for
meals.
THE SPITTING EVIL.
Attention having been again directed to the danger arising from the
filthy and disgusting practice of indiscriminate expectoration in the streets and
elsewhere, the following epitome of the action taken by your Medical
Officer to abate the evil may be of interest. The matter was particularly
referred to in the Annual Report for 1901, and it was in the hope of minimising
the nuisance that some suggestions on the subject had been previously submitted
for the consideration of the Sanitary Committee.
In July, 1902, a circular memorandum, addressed to large employers of
labour, was issued by the Corporation. In this the co-operation of the firms
was invited in the endeavour as far as possible to prevent spitting in streets
and places of public resort. It was pointed out that the practice of spitting
was known to be the main factor in spreading the disease known as phthisis or
consumption. It was further suggested that the exhibition of cautionary
notices, warning the public against the dangerous habit of spitting, would be
of great value.
Cautionary notice cards, in the following form, for exhibition in places of
business, were then largely distributed throughout the City, and applications
are constantly received at this office for further supplies:—
"CORPORATION OF LONDON.
" Public Health Department.
"NOTICE.
"In order to aid in the prevention of consumption you are earnestly
"requested to abstain from the dangerous and objectionable habit of
"spitting."
In my Annual Report for 1902 I referred at considerable length to
legislation in force, both abroad and in some large provincial towns in this
country, for the abatement of this dangerous nuisance.