The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-11-12

We have no other words b those
OF commendation OF tie keepers man
agement, but feel hat the property it
self should be in much better condition
than 1t is at present.
The heating plant has been out of or
der for a considerable time, and We
ind ID fires are depended upon for
heat. 1t is the opinion of this body
that the heating plant should be put in
operation in the interest of economy
n the welfare of the inmates of the
home as well as a lessening Of the fire
risk on the buildings. We learn that
wood is hard to get and costly and be-
lieve the repair of the heating plant
would save considerable money.
Many of the windows are broken, and
it will take over fifty panes of glass to
make the repairs. The blinds also are
in bad condition in many instances. In
some cases down SpOuting and leaders
should be repaired or replaced. The
lock and catches of the doors also need
attention, many doors being held shut
at night by strings and other make
shifts devices. Several of the fireplaces
need repairs. One fireplace in colored
dormitory is reported as defective TO
the extent of endangering the proper
ty by fire, sparks having been seen to
issue from the wainscoting in the adj
joining room. The steps of the Isola-
ton ward have entirely disappeared
and should be replaced. There should
be a new door provided for the entrance
to the furnace-room in the insane de-
partment. The heater in the insane
department should be thoroughly clean
ed and either vanished or painted to
prevent further ruSting.
The plumbing throughout the build
ing hould be properly trapped, wheth-
er the fixtures are in use or out OF use
fixture traps have never been provid-
ed The plumbing throughout the
building is badly in need Of repair at
every group of fixtures we found, with
the exception of the kitchen sink and
boiler.
The stockade should either be repair
ed or dismantled and abandoned. We
find there one door off it's hinges, a
number of the transoms n other sash
entirely missing n many of the win
dow glasses broken.
Behind the stockade, we found two
privies in very unsatisfactory condi-
ton. The old double one furthest in
the field should be entirely destroyed.
The drainage ditch should be cleaned
out to such an extent as to drain the
small branch into which it empties and
the house next the insane department
should be repaired and furnished with
boxes which should be properly cared
for at stated periods.
AT THE TILESTON SCHOOL.
Our committee found the building
without plumbing or sewerage The
privieS are not only in an unSanltary
condition. but are inadequate. We
find five seats provided on the boys
side and ~Cvirtually) five seats on the
girls side while, by the superinten-
dents report, there are about 200 pupils
at this school. We recommend mod
ern closets and conveniencies roperly
severed and proportional for IN at
tendance at the school as large as the
building will ever warrant.
AT THE UNION SCHOOL.
We found with an attendance of
about 500 pupils a provision of six seats
only on the boys side and six seats on
the girls side. These are Water-closets
and several of the flushing pulls were
out of order n imperative. The seats
were broker on the boys side and the
accommodations evidently so made
Quate that the surroundings within the
lattice screen were in a filthy and n
sanitary condition.
The same general report applies to
the girls side, though in a less degree.
The division fence between the school
privies and the adjoining property was
broker down at two or three gaps.
This condition should be improved and
in the opinion of our committee more
S1ttlnSS should De prOVlQeQ on DOtn
sides and an adequate urinal provided
on the boys side at each school.
AT THE HEMENWAY SCHOOL.
With an attendance of about 600 pu-
pills, the accommodations were the same
as at the Union SchOOl and the cOndi-
tons existing were identical. At the
Hemenway school, however, the teach
ers are provided with two modern wa
ter-closets, which were found in good
repair and Clearly.
We consider this question one not
only of public Importance from a gen.
eral standpoint, but Of vital Importance
to the children attending the public
schools.
AT THE CONVICT CAMP.
Our committee found everything in
good order. the property in good re-
pair except glass in windows, and re-
pairs were in progress OF them. The
food was examined and found of good
quality. No complaints were heard on
questioning the prisoners.
The county'S road, on which work
was in progress, is apparently well
made and the road is a i'm
provement.
Respectfully submitting this report,
the Jury request to be discharged.
CHARLES NJ. WHITLOCK,
Foreman of Grand Jury.