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18
"Although the poor are now bettor supplied with water than
they were twenty years ago, the discomfort of a washing day is still
the same as it was then, the same custom prevailing, viz.; that of a
family occupying only a single room, in which the processes of
cooking, personal washing, washing, drying and ironing clothes
are carried on. In this single room, while these operations are
going on, a member of the family is sometimes lying in bed, suffering
from illness, who, being exposed to a damp and offensive atmosphere,
which is generated in the room, does not recover so rapidly
as he otherwise would, if he were surrounded by a more healthy
atmosphere. The result of these inconveniences is, that persons so
situated, too frequently become regardless of decency and selfrespect,
and consequently have a very limited idea of the pleasure
arising from a clean skin, and the wearing of clean clothes. As a
step, therefore, in the right direction, I can confidently recommend
the establishment of Baths and Wash Houses in every district
where the poor reside; and, from the experience which has been
gained by the knowledge of the benefit arising from the Laundries
in Goulston Street, it may be fully anticipated that, by the reopeuing
of that Institution, there will not only be a diminution in
the amount of disease, but the rate of mortality will be materially
lessened."
There is much in the report worthy of being quoted, but I do
not feel justified in occupying more space in my Report than
I have done with the above extract, which should sufficiently satisfy
every candid mind of the benefits derivable from such institutions;
and I am satisfied that independent of their Sanitary advantages,
in a pecuniary point of view, they would prove a success, and return
a fair interest for the money expended.
I have every reason to be satisfied with the manner in which
the Inspectors have discharged their duties.
I remain your obedient Servant
M. J. MAC CORMACK, M.B. (T.C.D)
Mdical Officer of Health, Lambeth.