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49
the Working Classes Act, 1890. These houses underwent
a process of so-called repair, after which they
were reopened, and they are still occupied. The
average width of Little Collingwood Street from house
to house is 9 feet 10 inches.
In 1897 nearly all the houses shown on the plan in
Collingwood Street were closed under the Housing of
the Working Classes Act, 1890. A piteous appeal was
made to the Sanitary Committee on behalf of the
tenants, and the owner was permitted to close a few
houses at a time, patch them up, and shift the tenants
backwards and forwards until the whole of the houses
were dealt with. The so-called repairs were of the
roughest description, but were allowed to pass muster,
with the result that the houses are at the present time
very little better than they were before they were
closed, with the exception of the drainage, which has
been almost entirely remodelled.
In my opinion nothing short of clearing the area and
rebuilding the houses would be effectual.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
GEORGE PADDOCK BATE,
Medical Officer of Health for Bethnal Green.
G. L. Gomme, Esq.,
Clerk to the London County Council,
Spring Gardens, S.W.
The following correspondence, though not coming
within the year under consideration, must be read in
connection with the original representation of February
24th, 1904, and is therefore printed below:—
D