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9
From the point of view of permanently abating overcrowding,
most of the proceedings taken are probably quite illusory.
Whether the bulk of overcrowding is ever appreciably diminished
for any length of time is hard to say, but I want to point
out here that this serving of Notices will reduce the matter to
an absurd wild goose chase. The eminent judge who observed
the other day (in giving one of the decisions referred to) that
Local Authorities were to be encouraged in their laudable
endeavours to put down overcrowding, must possess a highly
developed sense of dry humour.
The Housingof the Working Classes Act, 1890, having so largely
failed to provide adequate housing accommodation within the means
of any but the higher paid class of workers, or better off foreigners,
as to completely belie its name and title, there is no need to dwell
at length on its defects. In so far as the period for repayment
of loans has been extended, the recent Amendment of the original
Act is of some use, but in reviewing the general inadequacy of
our Health Laws, it would be an omission if the fact were not
recorded that the satisfactory housing of the great masses of the
population is not much nearer now than it was in 1890, or at any
period prior to the passing of this Act.
As a matter of fact, hundreds of the unskilled or lower paid
rate of workers, for whom no one seems to provide, are probably
worse oft' for housing now than they were before some of the
so-called Improvement Schemes were carried out.
For years past, the legislature has been tinkering at this most
vital question. Public opinion, from time to time is outraged,
and becomes highly indignant, perhaps for a few hours, when a
more than usually unsavoury story of overcrowding is disclosed,
and there up to now it all ends.
Some day, in the dim and distant future, an Act may be passed,
giving Local Authorities full powers to compulsorily acquire sites
at their ordinary fair market value, and to institute some speedy,