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228
1908
Cesspools —These relics of a bygone sanitation in London are still
discovered occasionally in the borough, although in decreasing numbers. During
the year 10 were found, of which 8 were abolished, while two were cleansed and
disinfected. In 1907, 28 came under observation.
Overcrowding.—70 cases, as compared with 84 in 1907, were found
and abated. It is not always possible to get the correct number of persons in
a family among the very poor, who know quite well when they are too many
for a particular room, and therefore they not infrequently give incorrect figures
to the inspector. Of late years, however, the landlords have to a much larger
extent than formerly come to the assistance of the inspectors, for they find it
to their interest not to have more persons in their houses than there are w.c.'s
provided for them, i.e., 1 w.c. for every 12 persons, lest they should be
required to provide the additional accommodation. Nevertheless, overcrowding
does occur, but happily in fewer instances. If, however, inspection were to be
relaxed it would speedily reappear, for there are unfortunately some owners
of property who care more for their own pockets than for the health of the
people who rent their rooms.
Underground Rooms.—31 rooms, in comparison with 22 in the
preceding year, were discontinued as sleeping places.
Houses Closed.—It was not necessary to close any houses.
Manure Depots.—These places were kept under observation by the
visits of the inspectors on 118 occasions. Complaints have been received occasionally
from the London County Council School Yerbury Road as to a
nuisance from the manure railway siding close at hand, but in each instance
an immediate visit failed to substantiate the complaint. Manure railway sidings
are not drawing-rooms, but if ever there was a manure railway siding free from
offence, it is the one in question. It is years ago since any real cause for complaint
was given at this place.
The cleanliness of these sidings is a matter of concern more than ever
now, lest by allowing deposits of manure to accumulate, or to remain for any
length of time, they should become the breeding place of flies, who are now
known to be the active carriers of the forms of such diseases as Enteric or
Typhoid Fever and Diarrhoea.
Regent's Canal.—The canal was kept in a fairly good state. No
complaints were received concerning it.