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HABITATIONS AND SOCIAL CONDITION OF THE POOR. 97
Not, however, alone to restrictive and compulsory
measures do I look for the social improvement of
numbers, now so destitute and miserable. That in
other respects our entire industrial population within
the City might gain great advantage from an enlightened
supervision and guidance, I formerly endeavoured
to show. I sought (from other experience)
to illustrate the benefits they would derive,
not only from your exercising habitual inspection,
and possessing a more extensive control, in many
matters relative to their dwellings and mode of life;
but likewise, from the establishment, under the
auspices of the Corporation, of institutions which,
raising before them a higher standard of civilization,
would improve their social habits by an indirect
educational influence, and would elevate the general
tone and character of their class.
On the subject of Model Dwellings for the labouring
classes, and of Public Baths and Wash-houses,
as illustrating this view, I dwelt at some length in
my former Report; and, deeply convinced of the
boon which their establishment would confer on the
poor, I explained, to the best of my ability, the nature
and the extent of their usefulness.
I now only recur to the subject, that I may repeat
my profound conviction of its importance; and that
in doing so, I may congratulate your Honourable
Court, and may utter my deep thankfulness for the
labouring and suffering poor of this great community,
that, in compliance with the Standing Orders