View report page

61
by this muddy deposit; the walls remained damp and otherwise
affected for long periods. It was considered by the Council that,
where dampness was present, the atmospheric conditions were also
adversely affected, and the slimy and insanitary deposits left
after these floods caused the accumulation of impurities,
and combined to make the places unhealthy apart from other
dangers of disease being present; and it was obvious, therefore
that persons living in such conditions must be more subject to
neuralgia, rheumatism and malarial diseases than persons living
under ordinary conditions; but it was somewhat remarkable to
record that, despite the disadvantages to which the inhabitants were
subject, they were generally not abnormally unhealthy, and many of
the tenants had resided in these houses for a great number of
years. It was believed that many of the tenants continued to live
there because they had done so for so many years, and in their
approaching old age, felt disinclined to alter their habits of life.
On the other hand, new tenants are believed not to stop long enough
to experience more than one flood ; they then make their escape to
more healthy and comfortable surroundings. It was also explained
to the Inspector that the houses were very small and let at low
rentals, but had considerably longer gardens than could be obtained
at such rentals, or attached to similar accommodation, elsewhere in
the neighbourhood.
The Ministry of Health on 13th August informed the Council
that they had considered the report of their Inspector and after
careful consideration of the case had decided that the closing orders
made in respect of certain of the houses should be quashed, but
in the circumstances, did not make any order in regard to costs;
also that they had informed the owners of 10 to 16, Spring Lane
accordingly. With respect to the property in Middlesex Wharf,
the Ministry had come to the conclusion that the condition of the
houses justified the making of the closing orders, but understood
that if the houses were closed, then the tenants would be unable
to find other housing accommodation, and in order to avoid any