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5
motor vehicle accidents, there being 6 in 1954 as against 9 in
1953. This may be due to the intensive road safety campaign.
Against this there is an increase of deaths from all other
accidents from 15 in 1953 to 21 in 1954. This is probably due
to fatal accidents in the home.
The number of deaths from suicide shows an increase
of five, there being 17 in 1953 and 22 in 1954.
One of the duties that has fallen upon the Department
during the past few years relates to loans to persons who wish
to purchase property under Section 4 of the Housing Act, 1949.
Before the Council can make such a loan it must be satisfied
that the house is, or will be made, in all respects fit for
human habitation.
It has been the policy of the Council to encourage
the residents of the Borough to purchase property and to become
the possessors of their own homes. It is equally important,
however, that such homes should be structurally sound and healthy.
In determining whether a house is unfit for human
habitation, regard has to be had to its condition in respect of
the following matters -
(a) repair;
(b) stability;
(c) freedom from damp;
(d) natural lighting;
(e) ventilation;
(f) water supply;
(g) drainage and sanitary conveniences; and
(h) facilities for storage, preparation and cooking of food
and for the disposal of waste water.
A house is deemed to be unfit if, and only if it is so
far defective in one or more of the above that it is not reasonably
suitable for occupation in that condition.
In each case a complete survey of the premises has to
be made by the officers of your Department and consideration is
given not only to the house itself but to the number of families
and persons who it Is proposed should occupy it, and the amenities
which they will require.
There has been a steady increase in the demand for loans
from the Council and this is well illustrated in the following
figure.