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181
1899

The 262 applications represent only 0^57 per cent, of the
assessments, Vide Table Z appendix. This work is carried out by
the Vestry's own employees, no part of it being let out to contractors.
Whatever may be said against the policy of public bodies employing
their own labour to execute public work generally, there can be no
doubt that as regards dusting and slopping the performance is
infinitely better and more thorough when it is effected by Corporations
themselves than when done by contractors. The Islington
Vestry accomplishes this class of work with very great efficiency and
at a reasonable cost, and I believe that, as regards dusting especially,
the results will bear comparison with those obtained by any other
urban district, whether in London or in the great provincial towns.
Mr. Wroot, who is the Superintendant of these works, and his staff
may be congratulated on the fact.
It is a matter of regret that so much care is bestowed on the
great central streets of all populous places to the neglect of those
thoroughfares, courts and alleys in which the poor and needy
reside—or perhaps I should say it is a matter of regret that these
places are not cleaned as frequently, or even more frequently, than
the more central streets, for I am convinced that their cleanly
condition will have a more potent influence for good on the general
DUSTING AND SCAVENGING.
The Dusting Department is to be congratulated on the excellent
manner in which its work was executed during the year, as, judging
by the number of applications made at the Public Health Office
for the removal of dust, the work was never previously so well done.