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(2) Population. — The population estimated by the RegistrarGeneral
has been accepted for the purposes of our local statistics. As
set out on page 6, these are as follows:—" Birth-rate population"
91,682, "Death-rate population" 88,012. These are, if anything, an
under-estimate of the actual figures.
(3) (a) Extent of Shortage or Excess of Houses.—The estimated
shortage in the number of houses is 400.
(3) (b) Measures taken or contemplated to meet the shortage.—These
are referred to in the pages that follow.
II.—Overcrowding.
(1) Extent.—In calculating this, all the population living more
than two in a room are assumed to be overcrowded. Our investigations
would indicate that approximately 6,000 people or 2,000 families are
living in in overcrowded condition.
(2) Causes. —The causes of the present overcrowding are due
mainly to the shortage of houses generally, and to some degree to the
non-effectiveness of the bye-laws relating to houses intended or used
for occupation by the working classes.
(3) Measures taken or contemplated to deal with overcrowding.—In
the present exceptional conditions it is extremely difficult and often
inexpedient to deal drastically with every case of overcrowding, but
when the schemes which the Council have now in hand are materialised
much more may be done to reduce the congestion which undoubtedly
exists. The principal schemes which the Housing Committee which
was set up in 1918 have considered are as follows:—
Town Ward scheme.—This contemplates the erection of model
dwellings and the subsequent demolition of 71 houses and reconstruction
upon the sites.
South End Green.—This scheme provides for 4 blocks of dwellings
comprising 22 one-bedroom flats, 64 two-bedroom flats, and 42 threebedroom
flats. For this scheme a site of 3¼ acres of land has been
secured at South End Green, plans have been prepared and approved,
and tenders received. This is the most advanced scheme of any in our
Borough.