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7
As has already been pointed out on many previous
occasions, this effort, however strenuously and seriously
followed up, only results in the displacement of a certain
number of families, and does not begin that steady and
systematic process of slum demolition recognised by all
Housing Authorities to be urgent and important at least
twenty years back. In other words, it may fairly be
stated that the present situation is one of maximum effort,
of much interference with the people, for a minimum of
improvement by means of additional housing accommodation.
Whether it is possible, or the time is opportune, for
some further representation to be made to the Governmental
Authorities, is a matter that may perhaps be very
well considered by the Council.
In referring to this I wish clearly to say that I am
making no reflection whatever on the results of the
appointment of a Special Inspector to deal with this work.
On the contrary, our Special Officer has done, and is doing,
everything within his power, but the fact remains that,
until there shall be some regular and methodical system of
slum demolition to be carried on by some Authority—not
yet introduced—equipped with far more drastic and farreaching
powers than any yet possessed by local Housing
Authorities, we are only patching, and making no sufficient
effort to deal with the subject as a whole. It is
indeed debatable whether the appointment of a Special
Officer, under existing machinery, is really the best use
to make of one's staff.
As regards the detailed work of the Department, this Generally,
is all very carefully set out in the Appendices A to S,
which are as follows:—