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39
Street houses has been included in this Report for statistical
purposes. The total is 161 persons.
Twenty-seven deaths have occurred in the area in five years
(1895-99) being equal to 33.3 per 1,000 per annum. The number of
children under five was fourteen, equal to 51.8 per cent, of the whole.
The deaths from phthisis were equal to 29.6 per cent. Eleven cases
of infectious disease have been notified, and fifty-six sanitary
complaints received during the five years.
In June, 1900, Dr. Yarrow furnished a large number of particulars
to the Vestry of St. Luke regarding the results of the Sanitary
Inspectors' visit to each house, showing what sanitary defects were
found to exist, the number of rooms in each house and their dimensions,
how used (whether as sleeping rooms only or as sleeping and
dwelling rooms combined), the number of occupants, and whether
the premises are registered under the bye-laws relating to houses
let in lodgings.
Summary.—Generally speaking it may be said that these six
areas are insanitary chiefly on account of structural defects. The
houses are thoroughly worn out and beyond repair. According to
the standard of cubic space generally laid down, namely, 400 cubic
feet for each person for living and sleeping accommodation, and 300 if
used for sleeping only (children under 10 years of age half the amount)
it cannot be said that overcrowding is one of the chief defects. In a
few instances rooms have been found to contain an excess of
occupants but in no case is this so to a large extent. Indeed if we
compare the cubic space actually occupied to its full extent and the
available cubic space, even in the houses as at present, it will be
found that there are 678 persons living where that might be 1,174.
The Four Areas adopted by the London County Council comprise
about 2¾ acres and a population of 1,193 persons. The general
state of these areas is very bad. The houses are insanitary, in a
very bad state of repair, and closely packed together, and without
sufficient light and space. The death rate is accordingly very high.