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modation, and that it is capable of being rendered fit for habitation
purposes at reasonable expense, appears in the Housing (Emergency
Provision) Act, 1939, being included in the conditions about which
the surveyor has to satisfy himself before taking active steps to
repair houses which have suffered war damage. For a long time it
had been appreciated that the group of properties known to many as
Poets' Corner—or Mushroom Square—called for attention. The
Sub-Committee paid visits to the area, and the Public Health
Committee deliberated as to the best procedure to adopt. Redevelopment
was considered—only to be ruled out. In full appreciation
of the many difficulties that loomed large, difficulties arising
from the fact that such a high proportion of the properties were
owner-occupied, that there was a number of shop properties, and
that some of the properties had recently been reconditioned, while,
scattered amongst buildings most of which were the same age, were
some of much more recent erection, it was decided that the only
way of suitably dealing with the many properties of low standard
was to treat the area as a whole, and proceed by way of clearance.
Official representations were made, and in due course the local
inquiry was held. Starting as a local attraction of interest, a galaxy
of talent appeared before an appreciative audience. At long last
the inquiry dragged itself to its close. After many weeks the
findings were promulgated—and some five properties were to be
demolished ! The outbreak of hostilities has resulted in the shelving
of a very difficult problem which the findings of the inquiry left,
namely, what line was to be taken in regard to those properties which
were certainly not in all respects fit for human habitation but which,
equally definitely, it was considered could not at a reasonable
expense be rendered fit.
A problem which has been increasing in dimensions is that
arising from the letting to two families of houses designed for the
occupation of one only. It was considered that to register these
houses and so be able to insist on alterations, such as the provision
of additional sanitary conveniences, which would make the houses
much better suited for the occupation of more than the one family,
would result in their being permanently so occupied. In view of
the class of tenant such letting attracts, it was felt that such a step
would stabilise the tone of the neighbourhood at a low level, and
such a lowered standard would percolate into the surrounding areas
and cause black spots in the district. Other measures, including
attempts at obtaining the co-operation of the owners of the properties
and of the Building Societies who have made advances in respect of
the premises, have, however, proved unavailing, so in June authority
was given for the service of notices requesting information for the
purposes of registering some of the houses in some of the roads
where the practice of letting to two families was most common.
In the summer months a rent strike took place among the
occupants of a group of houses in the district, the conflict between