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Then all the stuff articles are removed from the room
by the disinfecting contractor in large canvas bags to a
van lined with zinc, in which they are taken to the disinfecting
station, and put, bags and all, into a large oven
or cylinder of iron surrounded by a steam jacket and
capable of being, by the steam, heated to a high temperture.
Into the cylinder opens a pipe bringing steam at
a very great pressure so that the steam is driven into the
heart of the thickest roll of blanket that can be put in.
It is found that such a great heat is developed (without
possibility of burning or scorching because of the
moisture) that it is impossible for any "germ" of disease
to survive. After undergoing this treatment the
articles are sent home in another van. The room has
meanwhile had all the paper scraped off the wall and the
paint-work scrubbed with soap and water. Thus it is
insured that nothing is left to propagate the infection.
Sanitary
Legislation.
The most important event under this heading
has been the passing into law of the Public
Health (London) Act, 1891. This Act, which has come
into force on the first of January of this year, has effected
great changes, and produced a great increase of work in
the Sanitary Department. Much time was spent in considering
the new measure and making arrangements for
its working. The following is a report of your Sanitary
Committee, the fruit of much labour, stating the principal
changes that practically effect the Sanitary Department:—
REPORT OF SANITARY COMMITTEE.
1.— "Your Committee beg to report that, pursuant to the reference
to them, they have considered the Public Health (London) Act,
1891, which comes into operation on the 1st January next.
2.—"The following are the principal changes made by the Act in
the present law upon which it is necessary for the Board to take
action, viz.:—
3.—"The Sanitary Authority are to carry out the law relating to
smoke consumption (section 23).