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62
Housing of the Working Classes Acts. No special
action has been taken under these Acts during the year.
The Greenwich Market Area, which has been under the consideration
of the Committee from time to time, was visited on one
occasion by the Committee, with a view to taking some immediate
action, but it was then found that the Admiralty Authorities had
already commenced the demolition of their insanitary property in
this area, and accordingly, for the time being, the matter stands in
abeyance, as the demolition of this property has very considerably
improved the condition of the adjacent property, particularly by
letting in much more light and air.
Resolutions passed by a Public Meeting, held for the consideration
of this question within the Borough, were considered
by the Public Health Committee, and whilst they heartily
concurred with practically the whole of the Resolutions, yet, seeing
that there was such a large amount of empty working-class house
property in the Borough, it was deemed inopportune to take any
further action. One of the Resolutions urged "that no time should
be lost in adopting and putting into practice Part III. of the
Housing Act, that without assistance from the rates, but to their
ultimate relief, proper houses may be erected for people at rents
within their means." Unfortunately, the Public Health and
Housing Committee were unable to find instances of this work
having been carried out without assistance from the rates, and,
therefore, it seemed that however laudable this Resolution might
be in its aim and object, yet, up to the present, it has been found
impossible to carry out.
Overcrowding has received attention, and been abated in 20
cases. Six hundred and twelve houses, generally, have been