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amounts have been calculated upon the number of beds or bunks found in the dormitories at the time
of inspection, and give the following results—
(1) In 14 dormitories the cubic space per head is under 200 cubic feet.
(2) In 30 „ ,, „ over 200, but under 250 cubic feet.
(3) In 27 „ „ „ „ 250 „ 300
(4) In 27 „ „ „ „ 300 „ 400
(5) In 14 „ „ „ „ 400
112
It is thus seen that in a large number of rooms the amount of cubic space is much below the
standard adopted in common lodging-houses, while in others the amounts are greater, this being
chiefly the case at premises where bedsteads or cubicles are provided.
The amount of floor space must also be considered. Of the 112 dormitories mentioned above, I
find, if the total area of each room is divided equally amongst the number of sleepers which it accommodated
at date of inspection, that in 35 the floor space for each person is less than 24 superficial feet, or less
than the floor area which would be occupied by two single bedsteads of ordinary size. In those shelters
where bunks are in use it is customary to place them in rows, each bunk being separated from the adjoining
one merely by the width of the wooden partitions, or at most by an interval of a few inches, while
each row of bunks is separated from the next row by a narrow interval of about one foot. The floor surface
thus becomes covered with rows of bunks, the only free space between the sleepers being one or more
passage ways to enable lodgers to reach their bunks. When the bunks known as " Jubilee ' bunks
are in use the proportion of floor space to each person is in some cases very low, namely, 13, 18, and
19 superficial feet. This form of bunk possesses some advantages over the floor bunk, in being more
comfortable, and in having the lowest tier raised about one foot above the ground level, thus allowing a
free play of air underneath the sleepers. It is also possible to obtain greater lateral separation of the
bunks, but any advantage in these respects is counterbalanced by the disadvantage of having two or
even three rows of sleepers placed one above the other at intervals of some three feet.
Condit ion of premises in regard to cleanliness.
At all the premises which I visited I found that due care was taken in maintaining the rooms
in a state of cleanliness. Where beds are in use the bedding was cleanly, and at the shelters where
bunks are provided it is stated to be the custom to have the mattresses taken out of the bunks and
swept daily, and washed over with some disinfecting fluid occasionally. At the Shaftesbury Institute,
at the time of inspection, the mattresses were placed in a heap in one corner of the room, an objectionable
practice; at other shelters each wooden bunk during the daytime is turned on its end and the
mattresses taken out and placed on top, so allowing a free play of air around each bunk before it is
again used.
In the appendix attached to this report particulars are given as to the accommodation which was
found at each set of premises at the time of inspection. The figures concerning the amount of floor
space and cubic space per bed are based upon the number of bunks or beds noticed in each room and
measurements which were obtained during the visit. In the case of the Salvation Army shelters.
Providence (Row) Refuge and Medland Hall, measurements have been kindly supplied, and these have in
each instance been made use of. As regards the Salvation Army, Brigadier Lamb stated at the time that
the inspection was made that it had been decided to confer with local sanitary authorities with a view
to arriving at an agreement as to the greatest number which should be admitted to any shelters in the
district of the authority, consequently the accommodation at the shelters may have changed in some
degree since the information set out in the appendix was obtained.
c. W. P. Young,
Public Health Department, Assistant Medical Officer of Health.
Spring Gardens, S.W.