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14 of three rooms, 11 of four rooms, and l of one room. There
are 207 families in the block, comprising 1,036 persons. The
acreage covered is 5/8 of an acre, and the density per acre is 1,650
persons. One common yard is provided for the whole block.
The surface is of tarmac , the yard is enclosed on every side,
and is a dumping ground for all kinds of household refuse
Great difficulty is experienced in keeping it even passably
clean, and this in spite of continued effort on the part
of both Sanitary Inspector and owner. There are nine
common staircases lighted by gas. One w.c. is provided on the
landings between two families, and one tap and sink between
four families There are no sculleries and no baths. The dust
shoots are inadequate, obselete and frequently out of order. There
is a bi-weekly collection of refuse. Washing accommodation is
provided on the roof, and consists of nine washhouses with four
coppers in each; there is no drying room. Many of the inhabitants
make use of the public washhouses maintained by the
Borough Council.
There is no doubt that this block of buildings is particularly
bad, but there are other blocks in the borough which are not
very much better At the present moment I understand that
the question of proceeding with an Improvement Scheme for
his area is in abeyance.
Excluding new buildings and blocks of flats most of the
property in the borough is between 70 and 150 years old, and a
goodly proportion is frankly worn out, irreparable and scarcely
habitable I suppose that the prime defect in most cases is
dampness, followed closely by darkness and inadequate flow
of air both inside and around the houses. Bad original design
and the decrepitude of age, complete the picture The prevailing
overcrowding accelerates the rate of deterioration, and necessitates
the continual attention of the Sanitary Inspectors and the
frequent service of notices. Rents range from 5s. for one room
to 35s per week for 6 rooms. Having regard to the average
wage in the borough, which cannot be more than from £2 2s.
to £2 5s. per week, I regard the rents as being high. Taking
into consideration the accommodation provided, the rent is
often exorbitant.