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families were rendered homeless. With the cessation of hostilities
and the return of the Forces to civilian life, many premises became
overcrowded. The post-war resumption of building has
to a certain extent alleviated the position.
At 31st December, 1951, there were 621 dwellings in the
Borough which were known to be overcrowded. The Census of
1951, when the details are available, will enable an accurate
figure to be provided. In the meantime, owing to the shortage
of housing accommodation, the Council has refrained from
rigidly enforcing the overcrowding provisions of the Housing
Act, 1936.
The first world war, 1914 to 1918, was responsible for serious
deterioration of many dwelling houses in the Borough. It was
not until some years afterwards, when labour and material
became available, that it was possible for the general standard of
fitness to be improved. Unfortunately, at that time, in some parts
of the Borough could be found a number of houses which were
old and worn out, having come to the end of their useful life.
It is interesting to quote the following extract from the Annual
Report for the year 1925 : —
“These old houses have deteriorated rapidly since the war
owing to abnormal wear and tear, and are now in such a state,
due to the lack of proper damp-proof courses, bulging masonry,
settlements and grave sanitary defects, as to be insanitary.
They have arrived at such a condition that no repairs can
render them fit for human habitation. Overcrowding is
prevalent in these houses, and they are peopled by types of
tenants who are not desirous of leaving the neighbourhood.
“There is no doubt in my mind that houses of this kind will
have to be replaced by tenement buildings of the most modern
type. It is true that small houses with gardens are much to be
preferred, but it is not possible to provide these amenities in
some of the Metropolitan Boroughs.
“It is difficult to say how far defects are due to the lack of
proper management and supervision by owners, or to the acts
of waste and neglect by the tenant. In the same way as there
are bad landlords who neglect their property and who are the
cause of much worry to the Health Department, so there are
bad tenants who pay no regard to preserving the property.
Each type is known, and on the whole it may be said that both
get their deserts."
This type of house requires the constant vigilance of the Sanitary
Inspector to maintain it in a reasonable state of repair and
cleanliness.
The following table gives particulars relating to the approximate
number, age and general soundness of the types of dwelling
houses existing in the Borough in 1930: —