London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

View report page

St James's 1866

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for St James's, Westminster]

This page requires JavaScript

10
I would respectfully suggest that the matter
should be taken in good time into the serious
consideration of the Yestry, with the view of laying
down some definite instructions thereon.
Another, and more serious subject, which has
frequently occupied the attention of the Yestry
and its Works Committee, is that of the erection
of Public Conveniences and Urinals, and hitherto
the only result appears to be that none can be
constructed, at least without such serious injury
to individuals as to make it very difficult, whilst
at the same time the demand for them is so
great as almost to render the few existing ones,
public nuisances. Everything appears to have
been thought of, and every proposition discussed,
but hitherto without finding a solution, unless so
large an outlay were incurred as would seem
most disproportionate to the result, such as
renting or purchasing premises for the express
purpose, in addition to the cost of construction.
The only remedy which appears at all feasible
would be to to compel every licensed victualler
to provide reasonable accommodation within his
house to meet the exigencies of the Public not
requiring refreshment, to be so arranged as to give