View report page

31
(d) Public Library and Other Books.— The following action was
taken during the year in regard to the disinfection or destruction
of Public Library and privately.owned books: —
No. of Public Library Books removed from infected
homes, and disinfected 797
No. of Public Library books removed from homes in
which smallpox had occurred, and destroyed 3
No. of privately.owned books removed from infected
homes, and disinfected 698
No. of books removed from the shelves of the Public
Libraries, and disinfected 7,725
Total number of books dealt with 9,223
Isolation Shelter.
During the year 129 persons were admitted to the shelter while
their homes were being disinfected. This total consisted of 30 men,
30 women, and 69 children. The cost of maintenance of these persons
was £13 10s. 6d. Letters of appreciation of the service are not
uncommon.
Cleansing of Persons Act, 1897.
The facilities provided by the Borough Council under the above
Act for the cleansing of verminous persons were in constant use.
The total number of baths given during the year was 1,481 (411 to
adults and 1,070 to children), whilst 2,942 head cleansings, not
necessitating bathing were carried out. The total number of
cleansings or treatments at the Cleansing Station during the year
was, therefore, 4,423, or 678 more than in the previous year.
Of the 1,481 baths given, 1,404 were sulphur baths for scabies
and 77 hot baths for pediculi. The great majority of the persons
presenting themselves for baths or cleansing were children from
the elementary schools in the Borough.