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142
horse by motor traffic. Nuisance from this source is therefore
very much less than formerly, a fact which is also partly due to the
enforcement of the regulations requiring periodical removal.
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 public health, that they should be
registered and inspected at frequent intervals.
By the end of the year 1914 231 such premises were on the
Register.
During the year Dr. Sherwood New, in addition to rendering
services in connection with the Child Welfare Centre, undertook
an investigation into the dwellings now let as Tenements in the
South Hornsey Ward of the Borough. It may be recalled that as
the result of many inspections made by myself in the previous
year I commented upon the circumstance of such dwellings in
my Report for the year 1913. Dr. New restricted his visits to
houses which had been changed from their original purpose of
serving as private residences for one family to houses certain
floors of which are let out to second families. It is frequently
stated that this change represents the first step towards the
formation of a "Slum"; but Dr. New found that the prevailing
type of tenant was a good one, self-respecting and industrious,
and well above the pauper line; and he gives testimony to the
fact that the premises being as good as they are is due rather
to the tenant than the dwelling arrangements provided. He finds,
as 1 have found, that practically nothing is done to adapt the
property to its new conditions. That is to say, it is rare to find
any structural alterations undertaken as the result of the newconditions
of occupation. He finds that it is exceptional to see
any special provision for food storage and preparation, that the
tenant sometimes hangs a meat safe outside the back wall, less
often on the landings, but sometimes the food is stored in the
living rooms; that the drying of clothes is generally done in a