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The simple but impressive unveiling of the photograph was performed by His Worship the Mayor (Alderman
Norris Kenyon, J.P., B.Sc., L.C.C.). He was supported by members of the Council, the Old People's Welfare Committee
and Mrs. Paterson's family. This ceremony provided a fitting tribute to a lifetime spent in the interests of the people
of Paddington.
HOUSING.—
Houses unfit for human habitation.
No. of basement rooms dealt with by closing orders 216 (234)
No. of upper parts of premises dealt with by closing orders 2 (1)
No. of houses dealt with by demolition orders or in respect of which undertakings
were accepted 4 (16)
Forty-six (33) persons were displaced as a result of the Council's operations, sixteen (18) being rehoused by the
Paddington Borough Council. Three (4) secured accommodation through their own efforts and twenty-seven (7)
are awaiting suitable Council vacancies.
Closing orders were determined or undertakings cancelled on six (7) basements and the upper parts of two (3)
mews premises. One (1) house was wholly made fit following action under Section 11 of the Housing Act, 1936. Eight
(7) other basements were made fit without recourse to formal proceedings.
Compulsory Repairs.
Twenty-two (38) notices under Section 9 of the Housing Act, 1936 were served during the year. Seven (7) were
complied with and works were in progress at fourteen (15) other premises. In none (1) of these cases was default
action found necessary. In one (15) case work had not commenced. Of the thirty-two (9) notices served prior to
1952 which remained outstanding, thirty have been complied with and in two (2) cases the work was carried out by the
Council in default. At two other premises the required repairs were executed by the owners without formal action
being taken.

The number of overcrowded dwellings on the Register of Overcrowding at the end of 1952 (395) shows a decrease
of 153 on the figure for 1951 (548). Some 87 of these were basement dwellings.
Of the cases of overcrowding relieved during the year, 29 (14) were provided with accommodation by the Borough
Council, 52 (85) were rehoused by the London County Council, 108 (135) secured accommodation privately, and 27 (35)
were relieved by a natural reduction in the size of the family or on obtaining additional accommodation.
The practice of sending warning letters to owners and landlords against permitting the premises to become again
overcrowded has been continued in all known cases where overcrowding of premises has been abated.
Rehousing Inquiries.
Some 900 communications were received during the year from the Borough Director of Housing, the County
Divisional Medical Officer, the County Director of Housing and Valuer, and from other authorities requesting information
on the housing condition of persons applying for re-housing on grounds of overcrowding, insanitary conditions,
and ill-health. Such information enables the enquirer to assess the degree of priority to be given to the applicants
concerned. In each case a visit was made by the Sanitary Inspector and a report furnished.
Housing Accommodation : Preferential Treatment.
Twelve (5) families recommended for preferential consideration in the allocation of accommodation on medical
grounds were rehoused by the Borough Council, and seventeen (4) by the London County Council.
New Accommodation.
During the year 12 flats at Queen's Park Court and 102 flats at Hallfield, were completed and selected
applicants rehoused therein.
Fumigation.
Associated Fumigators, Ltd., under an agreement with the Council, removed and treated the furniture and effects
of 29 (44) families with hydrogen cyanide gas during the year. The cost of the work was £239 14s. Od. (£260). On
the 1st April, 1952, the charge for this work (£9 18s. Od.) was increased to £10 10s. Od. per van per day. The charge
made by the Council to persons whose furniture and effects are dealt with under this agreement is £5.