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the original hay-loft of which apartments had been constructed
and occupied by a married couple and five
children. The woman and children had lived here six
years; say they have never been well since, with debility
and scrofulous complaints; and that at whatever hospital
or dispensary they applied for relief, were always told
that want of pure air was probably the cause of their
complaints. As is usual, the hay-loft had been converted
into a dwelling, not by using the whole space, and having
free external apertures, but by erecting within it a closed
lath-and-plaster box, of about 853 feet cubic capacity,
which was used as the dormitory for the seven inmates.
The owner has done somewhat to mitigate the evil, by
inserting a skylight which opens. It is a pity that the
classes interested do not bestir themselves, instead of
leaving all to public authority.
South Street, No. 14. Lodgers applied at dispensary
for diarrhoea and sore-throat. This led to inquiry whether
the house.was wholesome; roof was leaky, attics
dirty, no water to closet, and an untrapped gully in the
basement. All these things have been attended to as
required.
Thomas Street, No. 4. A young woman complains
of "debility." It is found that she, with her sister,
æt 21 and 23, and their brother, æt 14, sleep in a small
back kitchen (cubic capacity 504 feet). Underneath it
an old disused drain, which had not been broken up and
removed as it ought to have been, and which served still
to bring an offensive current of air. Even whilst this old
drain was open and being removed, these persons slept in
the room; in fact, they had no other place to sleep in.
Robert Street, No. 3. House dirty throughout: has
been cleansed.