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40
Parish of St. George the Martyr, Southwark.
foregoing there are minor defects into which it is not necessary to enter. Suffice it
to say that, after full consideration, I gave it as my opinion to the Sanitary Authority
that the needs of the district would be best consulted by clearing the space and converting
it into a modern recreation ground for children. This site could, of course,
be fitted with simple gymnastic appliances, and reserved for the use of children.
Other courts and alleys run parallel with those in the Falcon Court Area. They
include Brent's Court, Adam's (now Eve) Place, Redcross Court, and Maypole Alley, and
are composed of similar slum property. They are entered from the Borough High Street
by means of covered passages, which are narrow and funnel-shaped. Here, again,
the construction and grouping of houses in most cases effectually prevents a due
admission of light and air.
As might be expected, this neighbourhood forms a close refuge and theatre for
the illicit occupations of thieves and prostitutes, as well as a nursery for the rearing
of a race of children who are sickly and stunted, not less in mind than in body.
The children who survive the blighting effect of this portion of slumland
existence too often reproduce a similar progeny. In this way a number of helpless
individuals have ultimately to depend. for their support upon the ratepayers.
One outcome of this inquiry has been the certification by me from time to time
to the Sanitary Authority of certain buildings as unfit for human habitation, under
Part 2 of the Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1890.
Of these dwelling-houses the magistrates have already granted closing orders for
all except three, situate in Brent's Court, the backs of which have a party wall in
common with a row in Falcon Court.
These back-to-back houses still remain closed, it being impossible, in my opinion,
to render them habitable.
Closing orders have also been made in the case of two of the largest back-to back
houses in Red Cross Court, housing thirteen families in as many rooms, and against
two wooden shanties, situated in the same court, which latter have since been
partially demolished.
I have in addition certified, and the Vestry have applied for closing orders against
the owners of aft the houses on the west side, including two of the worst on the
opposite side of Adam's Place, as well as against certain houses at present standing
in the narrow and winding cul de sac known as Maypole Alley. These cases are still
sub judice.
My opinion was asked at the last meeting of the Vestry regarding your recentlywritten
letter, and also regarding a resolution of the Public Health Committee, both
of which communications related to the "Falcon Court Area." My answer was as
follows:—
"I do not think the Home Secretary is at all likely to revoke his predecessor's
decision as to preparing a scheme for dealing with the Falcon Court Area.
"The Act of Parliament gives power to the County Council to proceed with the
scheme at the cost (as to two-thirds) of the Vestry. My predecessor, Dr. Waterworth,
initiated the dealing with this area, and I am personally of opinion that a larger
scheme, to be carried out by the Council at the cost of the metropolis, would be preferable
to a scheme dealing simply with Falcon Court.
"In my opinion the best course would be for the Vestry to refer it to their officers
to consider a scheme, or rather, in the words of the 39th Section of the Act, to direct
them to prepare a scheme. My opinion is that instead of bringing up a scheme they
would find it necessary to report that a reconstruction is not advisable for this area,
and that a larger scheme of metropolitan importance, to be carried out by the London