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11
CLEANSING OF PERSONS ACT
There is now accommodation in the shape of hot baths and
simultaneous disinfection of clothing for both sexes. The extension
of the bath accommodation for women was completed in
1900. Steps were taken to notify the fact to various institutions
and common lodging-houses frequented by women of the class
likely to take advantage of the Act. A much smaller number
of females have used the baths than expected. There are,
however, signs of a gradual increase. During 1900, 3,352 males
and 28 females underwent the cleansing process and had their
clothing disinfected.
A considerable number of these poor persons were most
offensive, swarming with parasites, and generally in a deplorable
state—so much so that they would have infected any public
seat or public vehicle that they made use of.
The great majority of the applicants come from the
Salvation Army Home in Burne Street, the remainder from
common lodging-houses.
SANITARY LEGISLATION, 1900.
The only Act, passed in 1900, bearing directly on sanitary
matters (with the exception of the Census Act) is an amendment
to the Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1890.
The amended Act (63 & 64 Vict., c. 59) gives power to
this Borough, in common with other Boroughs, to establish and
acquire "lodging-houses" for the working classes, under Part III.
of the Act, outside the district. In other words, the Council
may, if they choose, establish in Willesden, Hampstead, Hendon,
or elsewhere "lodging - houses." What "lodging-houses"
exactly means can only be gathered by inference. They may
evidently be structures like Lord Rowton's lodging-houses—that
is, places furnished and provided with appliances for cooking,
and so forth, or they may be unfurnished dwellings, or they
may be even single cottages with land attached not exceeding
half an acre.
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The expenses incurred under the Act are to be defrayed
as part of the ordinary expenses of the Council. Ample borrowing
powers under easy terms are provided.