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Of these 22 were made fit for human habitation and 3 were closed voluntarily.
It was only necessary to make one closing order during the year, viz., for No. 19,
Short's Gardens. This closing order was not determined as it is not proposed that
the premises should be again used for human habitation.
Of the remaining 100 houses, in 72 the defects were remedied, and in 28 the
houses were closed voluntarily.
A large number of other houses were inspected by me, but were not reported
to the Housing of the Working Classes Committee as they did not appear to me
to be in a state so injurious or dangerous to health as to be unfit for human
habitation.
Apart from general administrative measures consequent on new legislation,
the following were the principal new developments introduced during the year:—
(1) In order to further promote the proper care and feeding of
children and further reduce the amount of preventible illness and
mortality, the Mayor (Councillor Walter Hazell, J.P.) arranged to hold
a baby show, and presented prizes and certificates to about 60 of the
best infants between 6 and 12 months old.
(2) In order to encourage a continuance of breast-feeding amongst a
number of poor deserving mothers, 15 dozen dinner tickets were
distributed to enable such mothers to obtain a sixpenny dinner at a
restaurant in the Borough.
(3) With the view of securing for London, more sunshine and a purer
air with their physical, material and moral advantages, I presented a
special report on the desirability of taking further steps for the abatement
of smoke nuisances. The Committee agreed that the matter was
one which should be brought to the notice of the ratepayers, and the
Council sanctioned the distribution of a pamphlet, issued by the Coal
Smoke Abatement Society, entitled "More Sunshine for London"; the
pamphlet being accompanied by a letter from the Mayor emphasising
the importance of the matter.
Further details respecting these matters will be found under their respective
headings.
I desire to express my high appreciation of the assistance and hearty
co-operation that 1 have received from the staff of the Public Health Department
during the year.
I have the honour to be,
Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
W. A. BOND.