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(64)
In addition to the areas which have been named, the following
areas have already been represented and urgently require attention,
and it should always be borne in mind that the process of
senile decay steadily pursues its relentless course in property
throughout the Borough.
Area Acreage No. of house
population (Approximate)
Bethel Place ¾ acre 49 195
Leroy Street 1⅛ „ 64 346
Prospect Street ⅝ „ 55 291
It is this latter factor which renders the situation somewhat
disquieting, and unless more speedy acticn is undertaken with
regard to rebuilding, there is no prospect cf overtaking the precess
of decay.
Some property can of course be rendered reasonably fit by
less drastic methods than demolition and reconstruction, and
many owners do take care to see that their property is kept in
good order. During the year, in 2,089 cases, informal action has
been successful in keeping houses in a reasonable state of repair.
Where informal action fails, action under statutory powers
becomes necessary and such action has been taken in 3,401 cases.
It was observed above that a second factor in the housing
problem was that of overcrowding. This factor was considered
at length by Dr. King Brown in last year's Annual Report, but
it is so serious a problem that it cannot be passed without notice.
That it is a menacing feature in this Borough will be gathered by
anyone sufficiently interested to glance at the statistics shown in
connection with Infectious Diseases, and the report on tuberculosis
in particular reveals a very serious state of affairs.
Energetic steps have been taken to deal with this matter,
but the serious nature of the situation shows but little sign of
abatement. Practically the whole of the work in connection with
housing devolves upon Mr. Freeman, the Chief Sanitary Inspector,
and I must here pay a tribute to his remarkable ability and