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47
It was found necessary, in order to eradicate the vermin, to remove
a large amount of woodwork from the walls, hack off the plaster, and
scrape the lime from the walls and ceilings.
A large number of beds and blankets were removed. Some were
destroyed and the remainder treated at the disinfecting station. It was
also found necessary to destroy some of the bedsteads on account of their
dilapidated condition.
Visits were made daily by the Sanitary Inspectors for the following
14 days.
In order to prevent the recurrence of the nuisances complained of we
advised the keepers as to the necessary action, and I am pleased to state
that a great improvement has been made, although constant supervision
is still necessary in order to keep the premises up to the required standard.
Several of the keepers stated that the cause of these serious conditions
was brought about by the class of persons using the beds, likewise the hot
summer. This statement, however, was not proved, inasmuch as in those
houses, which had been specially constructed or reconstructed, and
where strict supervision was maintained by the keeper, there was an
absence of vermin. This goes to prove that it is possible to run Common
Lodging Houses in a cleanly and wholesome manner.
In Southwark a standard has been set up which will entail an immense
amount of work in future to bring some of the older buildings into line,
and if the necessary work to effect such improvements cannot be carried
out, several houses will have to be closed. There will be no great hardship
in this proceeding as a large proportion of the beds in these particular
houses are not continuously occupied.
In conclusion an up-to-date Common Lodging House should be
constructed with solid floors, hard plastered walls and ceilings.
The bedsteads should be of iron with diamond mesh mattresses; the
palliasses should be made of straw, so as to be easily destroyed and
renewed, and further the ideal to be aimed at is to minimise the amount
of lodgment for dust and vermin, thereby reducing the amount of labour
in keeping the premises clean.
G. FISHER,
Senior Sanitary Inspector.