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53
Underground Rooms.—17 rooms were found to be illegally occupied
in 1914 and their use given up, 3 of these not complying with the
requirements of the Housing and Town Planning Act.
Houses Let in Lodgings.—The number of houses in 1914 was further
reduced through closure, and as none were added in that year, the number
on the register at the end of the year was 1,274; to this class of house
6,006 visits are recorded as having been paid. In addition to the
Inspectors' visits, a large number of these houses are visited by the
Health Visitors, who call attention to any insanitary conditions requiring
amendment. The disinfectors also visit a number in the course of the
year, where children have been found to be suffering from vermin.
Overcrowding was found in 28 instances, and 876 other defects were
found and remedied. Particulars are included in the general list given
at the beginning of this part of the Report. Twenty-three statutory
notices had to be issued before defects were remedied, and in ten
instances proceedings had to be taken in the Police Court (see above).
There were three infringements of the By-law that persons of
different sex, above the age of 12 years, not being persons living
together as husband and wife, shall not occupy the same sleeping
apartment.
Water Supply.
Thirty-nine notices of withdrawal of water supply were received
from the Metropolitan Water Board, and in 21 instances it was reinstated,
on notice. The reasons given for cutting off the supply were: houses
empty, 16; non-payment of rates, 18 ; by request, 0; irregular
fittings, 5. Legal proceedings in connection with water supply was
taken in one instance.
The Water Board submitted a list of 85 premises stated to have no
water supply. These were found to consist of 73 shops (mostly " lock
up "), 3 offices, 2 fruit warehouses, 1 smithy, 1 auction room, 1 work shop
1 studio, 2 empty premises, 1 could not be identified. In 22 instances
water supply was found to be available on the premises. In 3 only was
it deemed necessary to require the provision of water.
Additional sources of water supply on the upper floors of tenement
houses were provided in 18 instances. 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.
Three new artesian wells have been sunk during the past year
(Victoria Street, Broad Street and Waterloo Place). 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.