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conditions, but the task is a difficult one, partly owing to the
scarcity of labour and materials and the high price of such labour
and materials as are available; and partly owing to the impecuniosity
of many of the owners of property, some of whom own little
or nothing in addition to the property, and have no means to cover
the cost of repairs. The task of keeping property in repair is,
in the cases of many tenement houses, and of the worst kind of
dwellings almost impossible of accomplishment owing to the dirty
and destructive habits of the lower classes of tenants, who speedily
render abortive the efforts of the Council and property owners
to provide them with decent, cleanly houses. Houses are constantly
being repaired and redecorated, and in a few months, or
a year, may be found in need of another thorough overhauling.
Thus, it follows that general improvement throughout the borough
is a very slow process, and must proceed, to some extent, pari
passu with improvement in education, manners and habits of
certain of the lower classes.
The housing question in Hackney is at present very difficult
of solution in a satisfactory manner. The borough is very
seriously overcrowded, and many hundreds are desirous of, and
are anxiously, seeking, houses or accommodation in lodgings, or
tenements. Many families are crowded together, each occupying
only three, two or even one room for all purposes—living, eating
and sleeping. Piteous appeals are constantly made at the Town
Hall for help to find accommodation,or for information as to where
it may be likely to be found; but every available house is occupied.
As a consequence, much overcrowding has of necessity to be overlooked,
whereas in more normal times it would be dealt with
promptly. So, also, houses which are questionably fit for human
habitation, some indeed, only fit for demolition and rebuilding,
have to be tolerated until such time as additional accommodation
shall have been provided.
As regards provision of new houses to ease, so far as may be,
the present position, the Council, through a newly appointed