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55
The Housing of the Working Classes Act.
The Houses that have been reported to you under the Act (details
of which are herewith presented in tabular form, page 56)
were such that required more or less serious structural alterations
before being made habitable, and could be more thoroughly
dealt with by this Act than under the Public Health Act. I
made twenty-nine representations under Sec. 30, and the result
has been either to have the houses closed or various improvements
carried out. In the majority of cases the houses were
very old and decayed, and had been much neglected; this class
of house is getting much rarer in our district than formerly, as
a result of the systematic inspection now being carried out
throughout the district. In my last year's report I expressed
the hope that by this time the insanitary area known as
"Lomas Buildings" would have been dealt with. I have used
my best endeavours to accomplish this, but up to the present
time the buildings are still standing a disgrace to the district.
It may be remembered that this time last year we had got so
far as to send plans and estimates of the scheme to the County
Council, and to ask that body to contribute to the cost. On
March 18th an answer was received from the Council, saying
that they were prepared to contribute half the cost, provided
the area was cleared and converted into an open space. The
Sanitary Committee had another survey of these Buildings, and
again approached the Council, in order that the cost should be
as lightly felt locally as possible, to allow the area when
demolished to be used as a builder's yard or rope walk, and so
be a source of revenue to the Vestry. One June 22nd a reply
was received, saying the Council would consent to this course
being adopted. The Sanitary Committee reported the above
facts to the Board, with the result that a resolution was passed
on July 31st that a scheme should be prepared in accordance
with the Act. A scheme was prepared by your surveyor, which
received the sanction of the Board on Oct. 9th. Since that
date the necessary notices have been served on the owners, and
particulars of the scheme have been sent to the Local Government
Board; and we are now awaiting their pleasure to hold
an inquiry on this insanitary area.