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162
be impossible to deal with the demoralising offence. Heavy
fines were imposed upon the keepers of the houses, and the
lodgers, also, by the justices, and it is hoped, rather than believed,
that the evils described were more than temporarily
checked. Incessant supervision, by night visits, so as to make
improper occupation of rooms unprofitable, will alone enable us
to deal effectively with nuisances of this kind, the most serious
of all nuisances from whatever side the matter be regarded.
Incidentally, it may be mentioned that the reference to these
cases in the fourth monthly report was the determining cause
of the decision of the public health committee of the
County Council which led to the inspection of the special
area, which afterwards developed into the inquiry into the
sanitary condition of the parish generally, to which reference
has previously been made (page 104).
Dealing with this subject in the fourth monthly
report, and in answer to the question, "How can the
iniquitous practices described be abolished?" I expressed
the opinion that it could be done, effectively and
finally, only by the acquirement of the houses in the
district by some public authority which should let the rooms,
at reasonable rents, subject to regulations to ensure the good
conduct of the lodgers. The County Council are the only
public authority having power to do this, under Part III. of
the Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1890.* Rut they have
twice refused to do so on the ground that Part III, being (in their
opinion) " designed to facilitate the provision of dwellings for
* Under the Act regulations may be made —
" For securing that the lodging-houses shall be under the management and
control " of persons appointed by the local authority for that purpose;
" For securing separation at night of men and boys above eight years old
from women and girls; and
' For preventing damage, disturbance, interruption, and indecent and
offensive language and behaviour, and nuisances."