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83
The Committee decided that the open spaces in front of the blocks of flats should be
covered at the appropriate season with turf, and that a number of trees should be planted at
different parts of the estate. The trees are already in leaf, and as they were well-grown specimens,
they greatly improve the appearance of the estate.
The land at the rear of the blocks of flats was divided into plots for use as drying purposes
and as a small garden, with the exception of three blocks where the land was found to be too
limited to give each tenant a plot. It was therefore made into a common drying-ground. Castiron
clothes post sockets have been fixed in the gardens, two to each plot, leaving the tenants to
provide their own clothes posts, the intention being that the posts should be removed after use.
One of the features of the estate is the turf panels inserted into the tarmac paving alongside
the road. Whilst the idea is a good one where the road is not much used by people outside
the estate, in the busier parts like St. Albans Road, the soft turf appears to attract pedestrians,
and consequently the grass is soon worn off.
Over a mile of privet hedges has been planted, and to protect them from damage it has
been found necessary to fix a quantity of wire netting, which appears to be effective.
In October, 1922, and again in April, 1923, the rents were reduced in accordance with the
reduction of rates, the gross weekly rents now varying from 13s. 2d. to 29s., according to the
number of rooms and position.
On the 20th September, 1922, the Council sanctioned the erection of a two-storey building
on the estate to provide a workshop and store for the purpose of housing materials and plant
required for minor repairs. The proposal was submitted to the Ministry of Health for approval.
The Minister was of opinion that the plan submitted indicated a building in excess of the needs
of the scheme, but ultimately stated that he was prepared to allow a sum of £400 in respect of
the proposed workshop, to rank as a capital charge against the assisted scheme. The repayment
was to be charged against the maintenance account. Eventually, it was decided to utilise the
large wooden hut on the estate which belonged to and was formerly used by the contractor as
an office and store, although it would not be of the capacity originally contemplated.
Several applications have been received from tenants for permission to instal wireless
sets. These have been acceded to, subject to the work being carried out to the satisfaction of
the Chief Electrical Engineer, and to the installations remaining at the pleasure of the Council.
Una House, Prince of Wales Road.
This scheme comprises 64 flats. The building is planned as a unit surrounding a triangular
courtyard which has a raised playground in the centre, beneath which are arranged sheds for
prams and bicycles. At the extremities of the buildings, fronting Prince of Wales Road, the
irregular-shaped plots have been levelled and sown with grass seeds, and with a bed of shrubs
in the centre, which improve the amenities of the scheme.
The hot-water service which is provided to each of the flats, and to which the Committee
devoted considerable attention owing to the somewhat high cost of running, has now been arranged
so that an almost full service is given without undue expenditure. The problem revolved around
the need for an ample supply of hot water during week ends. This was got over by the caretaker
and boiler attendant working alternate week ends, each man having time off in lieu of the extra
hours, and also by slightly reducing the supply available at either end of the day. The arrangement
has now been in operation several months, and appears to be working satisfactorily. The
tenants much appreciate the advantage of obtaining an almost constant supply of hot water.
The present gross rents vary from 13s. 6d. to 21s. 5d. weekly, according to the accommodation.
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