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206
1903]
The overcrowding is invariably found among the poorest class, who,
with small wages and large families, are unable to procure rooms which are
within their means, or else thev are found in cases where the father is addicted
to drink and squanders his money. Nuisances of this character are difficult
to deal with, because if the nuisance were to be abated immediately it would
mean that the people would be turned into the streets, for it is very difficult
for the tenants to find lodgings at a rent to suit their limited means, and
it, therefore, takes them a long while before they can procure them. Indeed,
in cases such as these it generally occurs that they only leave one tenement to
overcrowd another; and as landlords and their agents, in Islington at all
events, are far more careful now than formerly to avoid overcrowding their
difficulties in finding a home are greatly increased. The consequence of this is,
that the very greatest latitude and leniency must be given to these people, so
that the great scandal of turning them into the streets may be avoided.
Unlighted and Unventilated Staircases.—Occasionally staircases
that have no light, either by direct or indirect means, or ventilation, are
discovered, and owing to the fact that Magistrates have refused in a few
instances to grant abatement orders to abolish this state of affairs, some of the
worst class of landlords are unwilling to do anything to remedy the evils. And
yet it is of great consequence both from the point of view of cleanliness and
pollution of the air. The want of light leads to uncleanliness, because in these
cases the tenants will not keep them clean, being unwilling to burn candles to
enable them to see to wash them properly, no doubt thinking that when you cannot
see dirt there is no use in getting rid of it. They forget, however, that dirty
staircases, like dirty rooms, cause a fustiness which pervades the house, and
renders them unhealthy, which is increased by the want of ventilation. The
staircase is the natural channel through which fresh air passes, sweeping
upstairs and pervading every part of the house. Houses of this character are
unhealthy. The want of light largely increases this fustiness, for light not only
purifies but also causes movement of air. It is a singular fact that in the
Public Health Act the word "light" does not occur, and yet it is as essential
as pure air to our well being, for without it we cannot obtain the latter. Such an
oversight as this, and it is a great oversight, should be remedied in any
amendment of the public health statutes of the country. Magistrates will not,
as a rule, order the abatment of nuisances unless such nuisances are specifically
mentioned in the Public Health Act itself, and hesitate to make an order
under section 2 (Ia) of the Public Health (London) Act, 1891, which
describes premises as being in such a state as to be " a nuisance, or injurious
or dangerous to health." The clause is too general, and covers too much,