DISINFECTING CHAMBER
should, if possible, be so far associated with the mortuary as to enable one and the same person to have the charge of both establishments. Proceedings in respect of both are alike at a standstill, because we have not been able to procure a site. Fortunately, during a considerable portion of the year there has not been very much need of a chamber, so far as need depends on the prevalence of infectious disease; but I am of opinion that a great amount of good sanitary work might be done with an efficient chamber, if only in purifying by heat the often foul and otherwise offensive bedding and clothing of the poor. Latterly, owing to the increased prevalence of scarlet fever, and also during the latter period of 1874, a good deal of disinfection has been satisfactorily carried out for your Vestry by Messrs. Wellan & Co., of Manchester Mews, Walmer Road, Notting Hill, by chemical agents and heat combined. As to the value of disinfection properly done there can be no doubt and I am not acquainted with a single instance in which clothing, bedding, &c., that has been properly submitted to the process, has been the medium of contagion.
BATHS AND WASH-HOUSES.
No steps were taken during the year to supply the parish with these valuable institutions. I hope, however, that the subject will be taken up again before long, your Vestry having already expressed an opinion favourable to the principle. I have no doubt that in a few years, and at whatever reasonable cost, Baths and Wash-houses will be regarded as indispensable parts of a well-regulated system of sanitary administration.