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had been living for many years, in one instance 25, in another 35
years. In other cases the period of residence was only a few weeks.
Practically speaking, no overcrowding was found, but the general
conditions are not of a high standard of hygiene. The inquiry
also included an estimation of death rates which worked out at
181 per 1.000, that is, below the ordinary death rate of the
Borough as a whole. This is somewhat remarkable when it is
considered that these persons are living under conditions not likely
to be conducive to a high standard of health, and in premises
which, with few exceptions, show marked signs of degeneration.
Most of the stables which these dwellings adjoin now belong to cab
proprietors and railway contractors, whereas some at least were
constructed for private owners.
8. Customs and Inland Revenue Acts.- Certificates
were issued under these Acts by the Medical Officer of Health in
five instances, viz.:—Wenlake Buildings (1-40); 65 and 67,
St. John Street; York House, King's Cross Road ; Wenlake
Buildings (41-85).
Water Supply to Tenement Houses.—At the end
of 1904 (December 16th), a case was heard in the Woolwich Police
Court of which the facts were as follows :—
The Medical Officer of Health of Woolwich having reported in
September, 1904, that No. 1, High Street, Woolwich, a house consisting
of six rooms on three floors, with an unoccupied basement, and
occupied by five families, was dependent for its water supply upon a
stand pipe in a yard approached from the rear of the premises, the
Public Health Committee of the Woolwich Borough Council decided
to serve the owner of the premises with a Statutory Notice requiring
him to provide a water supply to the first and second floors of the
house with properly fitted stoneware sinks, and trapped waste pipes to
discharge over the yard gully.
Failing compliance with the terms of this notice, the Council, on
the 2nd December, 1904, issued a summons, under the provisions of
Sections 2, 5 and 48 of the Public Health (London) Act, 1891, against
the owner alleging default in compliance with the Statutory Notice,
whereby a nuisance arose.
It was proved on the hearing that each floor was occupied by
different families, together comprising nine persons; that from the