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.