View report page

66
warmth as they could obtain. The three other houses
named in the summons had been similarly treated whilst
still inhabited and the window frames were already in
position. I prefer not to express my opinion as to the
humanity of the procedure. I am afraid my language
would not be printable. The fact remains that so much
work had been accomplished that our only possible
course was to offer to withdraw the summons, this, however,
the sitting Magistrate, Mr. Cluer, would not
permit and we were called upon to prove that the
houses were uninhabitable at the time the summons was
applied for. This presented no difficulty, but the
allegation that the premises were incapable of repair
was, on the face of it, incorrect and had to be abandoned.
Ultimately the hearing was adjourned for the work to be
completed. Mr. Cluer expressed the opinion that had
he heard the case earlier he would have closed the
premises in the interests of the occupiers.
We have followed the advice of the County Council
and have attempted to deal with single houses but the
result so far is not encouraging. We appear to have
arrived at an absolute impasse. Bethnal Green cannot
clear these sites and the Statutory Authority under Part
I of the Housing Acts refuses to help.
I am afraid the London County Council is of opinion
that Bethnal Green has had its share of public money in
Boundary Street. Moreover, the members of this
august body form to a certain extent a mutual admiration
society. They are not particularly anxious to
clear areas in back slums, but prefer public improvement
schemes in prominent positions to which they can refer
for their own glorification.