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localities, to which the poor could resort for the purpose of
washing clothing. The figures in the report of the Commissioners
for 1889-90, shewing the growing use made of the
wash-houses, are of a nature to encourage a hope that the Commissioners
may find it not merely desirable, but prudent also, to
provide, at no distant time, for the wants of the poor in the
central and southern parts of the Parish. The total number of
washers, 13,950 only, in the year ended March 25th, 1889, rose
to 31,113 in the year ended on the 25th March, 1890. The
number of hours employed in washing in the former year was
38,709, and in the year lately ended 84,352. Not only is the
increase very large, but at present there are no signs of a falling
off in that increase. Obviously the question of public washhouses
might with advantage be separated from that of public
baths.
The Sanitary Committee of the London County Council,
having "considered the question of the advisability of the
Council being invested with powers to establish public baths and
laundries in all parts of London came to the
conclusion that this was not one of the questions that pressed
most for central administration, and that it might be deferred
until district councils are created; and with this view the council
concurred."*
PUBLIC MORTUARY.
The mortuary in the Parish Churchyard, at the flank of the
Town Hall, was opened in July, 1883. In the first year 37
bodies were deposited; in the second year 77; in the third
year 100; in the fourth year 97; in the fifth year 109; in the
sixth year 128, and in the seventh year 143.
*Annual Report of the Committee.
The bodies removed to the mortuary in twelve months, ended
March 25th, 1890, were admitted upon application as follows:—