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100
A Closing Order made in respect of two basement rooms was the subject
of an unsuccessful appeal in the County Court.
Since the procedure relating to basements was begun, 973 have been
dealt with up to the end of 1937. The total of Closing Orders made is
507 ; undertakings 29. Reconditioning for occupation has been completed
or was in hand in 410 basements, including those done voluntarily,
while 327 remain closed. Twenty-eight of this number have been
approved for use as storerooms, etc.
Demolition Orders.
One house was made the subject of a Demolition Order and action has
been commenced with regard to three other dwelling houses.
The Housing Committee and its Standing Sub-Committee, besides
meeting on 18 occasions, held 7 special meetings for the purpose of interviewing
persons interested in the premises under consideration for closure
or demolition ; 2,987 notices were served upon freeholders, leaseholders,
mortgagees, &c., in accordance with the requirements of the Housing Acts.
Reconditioning of Unfit Dwellings.
Specifications to the number of 237 were received from owners desirous
of carrying out reconditioning work to premises, as follows:—
For reconditioning basements the subject of closing orders
or statutory undertakings 113
For reconditioning basements prior to or apart from any
formal action by the City Council 109
For reconditioning whole houses 15
Reconditioning works were carried out in 185 basements during the
year, whilst in 127 other cases the work was proceeding or about to be
put in hand.
Following applications from owners, approval was given by the Council
to the use of 19 basements for purposes other than that of human
habitation.
One application was received for a certificate under the provisions of
Section 51 of the Housing Act, 1936, as to the condition of the house after
reconditioning; this was granted for a period of five years.
It is interesting to record that the number of basements which have
been reconditioned by owners prior to formal action being taken is
practically equal to the number which have been rendered fit following the
making of closing orders. This fact illustrates the point mentioned in the