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the result of the examination was negative. In 11 instances the examinations were
for diphtheria, the results in 9 being negative. In 9 the disease suspected was
enteric fever, the results being positive as to the re-action in 4 and negatfve in the
remainder.
DISINFECTION.
The premises disinfected during the year 1901 numbered 996. The number of
articles removed to the Borough disinfecting station for disinfection amounted to
17,226, and included 1,064 beds, 880 palliases, 2,063 pillows, 810 bolsters, and 12,409
miscellaneous articles. Two beds and nine palliases were destroyed. The number of
articles disinfected was largely in excess of that of any previous year. This was
mainly the consequence of the milk-outbreak of scarlet fever, which has already been
touched upon ; some 215 beds, 180 palliases, 397 pillows, 154 bolsters, and 2,388
textile articles of various descriptions were removed and disinfected during the outbreak,
in addition to the usual amount of disinfection carried out in connexion with cases
of infectious disease other than scarlet fever. The results of the steps taken as to
disinfection, so far as could be judged, were satisfactory, and no instances came under
my notice in which any damage was done. There was the usual distribution of disinfecting
powder at the Town Hall, and some 26 gallons of carbolic disinfecting fluid
were used for flushing house drains and urinals, and in connection with the public
mortuary.
THE SHELTER.
The new Shelter provided under the Public Health (London) Act, 1891, for
members of families obliged to vacate their dwellings in certain cases to allow of
effectual measures being taken as to disinfection, was opened for use on June 24th, by
the Chairman of the Health Committee (Mr. E. Gates). The Shelter is situate in
Reeves place, in an airy position, and conveniently accessible for all parts of the
Borough. It consists of two stories and a basement. The basement, which is completely
shut off from and has no communication with the rest of the building, is rented
by the Llectric Lighting Department. Each of the two stories contains two suites of
apartments, one of a sitting or living room and two bedrooms and the other of a living
room and one bedroom. All the rooms are of a very convenient size, well lighted and
ventilated. Each suite of apartments is provided with a bath room with hot and cold
water service. The water supply and sanitary arrangements are in accordance with
modern requirements. One suite of three rooms is reserved for the resident caretaker,
and the remainder afford most excellent accommodation for three families.
Everything in the shape of bedding, furniture, cooking utensils, knives and forks, coals
and light is found for the temporary occupants. Food is provided in necessitous
cases. The Shelter throughout is lighted by electricity.
The length of time that temporary occupants pass at the Shelter varies from a few
hours, which may be necessary for the purpose of disinfecting clothing, to a week or
ten days in cases in which a complete disinfection and cleansing of a house throughout
may be required. The average time that a family spends at the Shelter is from
two to three days.