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81
Early in the morning of the day of removal, the bedding,
mattresses, curtains, clothing, etc., were collected and brought to
the Public Health Station, where they were subjected to superheated
steam (temperature 275° F.) for twenty minutes in the
disinfecting chamber at a pressure of 15-20 lbs. per square inch,
and were afterwards dried. Furniture removal vans collected the
furniture, household effects, carpets, etc., and on arrival at the
Public Health Station, the vans were hermetically sealed after
hydrogen cyanide (prussic acid gas) had been released. After
the expiration of four hours the vans were re-opened and
ventilated. The household effects were then transported to the
new home. Upholstered furniture was beaten in the open air
before being taken into the house.
It was decided that this procedure should apply to all families
removing to the new Estate. A letter of advice was sent to the
prospective tenants when they were notified of the day on which
removal to the new Estate was to take place. This communication
was in the following terms:—
Before delivery to the new premises your furniture and effects will
be fumigated.
Drawers and boxes, etc., should not be packed tightly, nor should
they be locked as their contents must be ventilated after fumigation.
Food, plants, or wet clothes must not be packed with the furniture.
Money, valuable papers, jewellery, etc., must not be put in the van,
but conveyed by yourself to the new premises.
Furniture and bedding will be delivered at your new address as early
as possible in the afternoon or evening of the same day of collection.
All your effects must be carefully cleansed before the day of removal.
Do not take unwanted articles of any kind with you to your new house.
The rooms must be especially well ventilated on the first evening and
night of occupation.
This arrangement has been continued in force in the case of all
new families subsequently removing to the Estate when vacancies
have occasionally occurred.
No such procedure was instituted when the Council's fiats known
as Park Dwellings and South End Close were originally occupied nor
is it in operation there in cases of change of tenancy.