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41
(c) 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 685
No. of Public Library books removed from homes in
which smallpox had occurred, and destroyed —
No. of privately-owned books removed from infected
homes, and disinfected 1,093
No. of books removed from the shelves of the Public
Libraries, and disinfected 7,326
Total number of books dealt with 9,104
Isolation Shelter.
During the year 37 persons were admitted to the shelter while
their homes were being disinfected. This total consisted of 7 men,
7 women, and 23 children. The cost of maintenance of these
persons was £2 6s. 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 1,354 (423 to
adults and 931 to children), whilst 2,875 head cleansings, not
necessitating bathing were carried out. The total number of
cleansings or treatments at the Cleansing Station during the year
was, therefore, 4,229.
Of the 1,354 baths given, 1,267 were sulphur baths for scabies
and 87 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.