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86
black grease, the accumulations of dirt in the corners of the
rooms, and filthy carpets which would be better dispensed with
altogether.
Special attention is given to the following :
(1) To the state of the bedding, which is too often found in
a deplorable condition, out of repair, soaked with filthy
matter, offensive and verminous, destitute of proper
coverings, pillow-slips and sheets.
(2) To the receptacles for slops ; these are often coated with
a slimy foul matter, and are frequently the cause of a
serious nuisance.
(3) To the spaces under the beds, which are used for the
disposal of dirty clothing, old boots, and rubbish.
(4) To the cupboards used for the storage of food ; these are
usually found in a most unsatisfactory state as regards
cleanliness and order.
(5) To the use of heavy, dirty, light-obstructing materials as
window curtains and blinds.
These conditions are as much the result of negligence, ignorance,
want of thrift, and (very often) alcoholic habits, as of
poverty.
A great deal of time has been devoted to special cases in houses
which are not on the register of houses let in lodgings, but where
verminous and dirty conditions have been found to exist. These
cases were notified by the school authorities, the National Society
for Prevention of Cruelty to Children, district visitors, etc.
Written notices were served requiring the person responsible for
the dirty conditions to remedy them. Where the bedding was
verminous, it was removed for disinfection ; in extreme cases,
the owner's consent in writing was obtained and the bedding
taken away and destroyed. Where the children in these houses
were found to be in a verminous state, they were sent to the
Cleansing Station to have a bath and their clothing disinfected.