In 1927, concerned that women were poorly provided with public lavatories,
and always had to pay to use a cublicle, while men could use urinals
without charge, the Public Health Committee in London reported that ``a
fitment for women has been designed, known as a urinette. It is similar to
a w.c., but is narrower and has a flushing rim. ... Urinettes are fixed in
w.c. compartments, usually with a curtain in front instead of a door.''
Eight boroughs installed urinettes in a total of 30 places, but, the report
confesses, ``The urinettes are not popular ... the attendants state that
they are sometimes used in an uncleanly manner and require supervision to
maintain them in a hygenic condition.''
See also Shaw.
