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41
Of this number only 175 inspections were made as the result of
complaints by householders and others, and this circumstances will
serve to accentuate the importance of prosecuting a fairly constant
system of house-to-house inspection in at least the poorer parts of the
Borough. It is difficult to over-estimate the value such a measure
has in preventing the origin and spread of preventable sickness.
The Slaughter-houses, bake-houses, cowsheds and dairies situated in
the Borough were all duly inspected throughout the year.
The factories and workshops also have all been inspected during
the year, and the list of out-workers has been kept up to date.
HOUSES LET IN LODGINGS.
In the Borough of Stoke Newington, more especially in the
Southern Division, there is a considerable number of houses let in
lodgings under circumstances and conditions which render it desirable,
in the interest of personal and public health, that they should be
registered and inspected at frequent intervals.
By the end of the year 1901, 219 houses were on the Register.
THE HOUSING PROBLEM.
During the year the question of the Housing of the Working
Classes has met with a considerable amount of consideration at the
hands of the Public Health Committee, and an enquiry has been
instituted as to the condition of the circumstances of tenure of the
Poor property in the Borough. The problem, however, is a very
difficult one for a Local Authority in London to face, and the general
view appears to be that it is one which more properly belongs to a
Central Authority such as the London County Council. The reasons
why Local Authorities and Private Companies are unable to build so
as to let at cheap rates in London are the restrictions of the Building
Act, the increasing value of land and the increased cost of labour and
materials. Further the Local Government Board insists that loans
to Local Authorities must be paid within a maximum period of 60