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182
Overcrowding.
Certificates were given under Section 4 (3) (c) of the Public Health
(London) Act, 1891, respecting twelve cases of overcrowding, and the
Committee directed that the necessary notices should be served; 36 cases
of overcrowding were abated upon service of intimations, so that there
were in connection with private houses, 48 of overcrowding abated; five
cases of overcrowding were abated in workrooms (see Miss Tattersall's
report, page 243); 152 cases of overcrowding were also abated in connection
with houses let in lodgings, or occupied by members of more than
one family (see Mr. Johnson's report, pages 245-248). In no instance
were legal proceedings instituted.
General.
7,626 communications were received, and 859 complaints (including
61 smoke) as to nuisances were made.
Cul-de-Sac off Mellish Street. Dock Cottages.
Prince Arthur's Avenue.
In December, 1908, the Magistrate dismissed a summons taken
against the owner of a cul-de-sac off Mellish Street, to enforce proper
drainage and repair of such place, which was in bad condition and drained
into untrapped gullies. The proceedings were taken under Section 100 of
the Metropolis Management Act, 1855, and the effect of the decision is
that unless the freeholder is also the owner of the houses abutting no
proceedings can be effective to compel owners to repair such places. The
Committee were advised an appeal was not likely to be successful, and
therefore directed no further legal action be taken in the matter. The
Public Health and Housing Committee also requested the Works Committee
to consider the desirability of arranging for the necessary work to
be done by the Council at the place in question, and at other places in
similar cases, the cost being apportioned upon the owners.
Early in the year 1909, the Works Committee reported to the Council
that the Midland Railway Company bad agreed to repair the thoroughfare
at Dock Cottages. Negotiations were proceeding with the owners in
respect of the making up of Prince Arthur's Avenue. With regard to the
cul de sac between Nos. 67 and 69, Mellish Street, Millwall, liability was
accepted by two out of the three owners of the property abutting thereon,
but was disputed by the third. The Works Committee were of opinion