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63
be summarily dealt with. It would have an excellent effect if tenants
of this description who refused to reform could be punished.
There is another class of persons with whom it is extremely difficult
to deal, and who for their own sakes require attention. These are old
people living by themselves, who are unable to look after themselves or
the rooms they occupy. They get into a deplorable condition from
neglect, and not infrequently the Coroner has to hold an inquiry when
death occurs. In one such case the Coroner remarked that “It was
remarkable that in the heart of the richest city in the world there should
be human beings in such a state of disgusting filth, and the authorities
powerless to cleanse them or remove them to an infirmary. The Old
Age Pension Act really encouraged old people to stay outside infirmaries,
which were most comfortable and excellent institutions provided by the
ratepayers.”
WateR Supply.
Fifty-nine notices of withdrawal of water supply were received
from the Metropolitan Water Board, and in 27 instances it was reinstated,
on notice. The reasons given for cutting off the supply were: houses
empty, 30; non-payment of rates, 22; by request, 6; irregular
fittings, 1.
Additional sources of water supply on the upper floors of tenement
houses were provided in 15 instances. Legal proceedings in connection
with water supply was taken in one instance. Owners are
recommended in all cases to fit a proper sink in connection with the
new supply on upper floors and so prevent risk of walls and ceilings
being spoiled.
Several new artesian wells have been sunk during the past year.
An analysis of the water has been obtained in each case. The quality
of the water closely resembles analyses of other wells in the City given
in previous Reports. Ten certificates were granted under Sec. 48 (1)
Public Health (London) Act.
Revenue Act.
Certificates under this Act relieve the recipient from the payment
of Inhabited House Duty. Applications were received by me in 5
instances comprising 221 tenements. Certificates were granted with
one exception. The premises in which are situated the tenements
for which certificates were granted are:—
Wellington Mansions, York Street.
59, Pall Mall.
Newport House, Great Newport Street.
Chester House, Eccleston Place.
Peabody Buildings, Vauxhall Bridge Road.
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