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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.
It was necessary to make two closing orders during the year—viz., for
Nos. 40 and 42, Short's Gardens, which was subsequently determined, when the
premises had been made fit for human habitation, and for Leather Lane Buildings,
which are still closed.
I made lists of dwelling-houses, including the above 67, the early inspection
of which was in my opinion desirable, and keep adding to these lists from
time to time.
Underground Rooms habitually used as Sleeping Places.
In accordance with the Sub-Section 7 of the same Section (17) of the Act,
I again prepared and submitted suggested regulations, and after careful consideration
by the Committee the matter was adjourned for the present.
Erection of Dwellings for the Working Classes.
The erection of dwellings for the working classes under Part 3 of the Housing
of the Working Classes Act, 1890, has received much consideration during the
year. From time to time, and in previous years also, I inspected and reported
upon proposed sites.
In May, 1913, the Committee considered the island site in Short's Gardens,
bounded on the east by Nottingham Court and on the west by Neal Street, the
most suitable site of three sites then considered. Negotiations were at once entered
into for the purchase of the site, and in July the Council made an order for
compulsory purchase. Negotiations for the purchase of the site are now practically
completed. Several reports respecting the construction and plans for
proposed new dwellings were prepared by the Borough Surveyor, and received
the careful consideration of the Housing of the Working Classes Committee.
One of these was finally selected and agreed to by the Council in February, 1914.
LIST OF PREMISES CLOSED, DEMOLISHED OR REBUILT DURING 1913.
St. Giles and Bloomsbury.
Alfred Mews, South Side. New show rooms, offices and Telephone Exchange
completed.
Alfred Mews, Nos. 18, 19 and 20. Premises closed, to be demolished.