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NOISE
When one considers the subject of noise and all the multifarious ways in which it arises,
and the readings of all the sophisticated apparatus at our disposal to help in arriving at a reasoned
judgment as to whether or not a nuisance exists, one is inevitably driven to the conclusion
that the final judgment must be largely subjective. Since people, quite rightly, are showing a
greater interest in the surroundings in which they work and reside it is not surprising that the
number of complaints concerning noise in the City show an increase, and that the number of
complaints requiring continued surveillance likewise show a substantial increase. The figures
for complaints and re-visits concerning noise during the year under review are respectively
261 and 1,202.
People in the past have tried, perhaps, to show a degree of tolerance, or an appreciation of
the fact that some work inevitably creates noise, and have put up with a degree of "inconvenience"
before complaining. Probably they are now realising that some of thrs noise is not at
all necessary and that much of it could be substantially reduced with a little forethought.
As regards the noise-makers, it is appreciated that they have work to carry out, but they
should also realise that their activities are going to give rise to resentment and ill will unless
they give proper and due consideration to the avoidance of noise before commencing their operations.
It should not be assumed when they are working, out of normal hours or at week-ends,
that the City is derived of all occupants. Neither should it be assumed, as regards noisy work
on building sites and non-urgent roadworks, that noise that might be acceptable during normal
working hours is likely to be tolerated in the evenings and on Saturdays and Sundays.
On the other hand, complainants ought to appreciate that they may have to endure short
periods of quite high levels of noise, i.e. two or three nights, or at week-ends when heavy
machinery or equipment is being handled. This is brought about by traffic management and other
conditions outside the City and it is unlikely that complete control can be exercised in this
direction.
COMMON LODGING HOUSES
A common lodging house is defined in the Public Health Act, 1936, as "A house (other than
a public assistance institution) provided for the purposes of accommodating by night poor persons,
not being members of the same family, who resort thereto and are allowed to occupy one common
room for the purpose of sleeping or eating, and includes where part only of a house is so used,
the part so used."
Each year the local authority has to consider, after an inspection and report has been made,
as to whether such premises are suitable for use as a common lodging house, having regard to
sanitation and water supply, and other respects, including means of escape in case of fire. It
cannot be assumed that these premises will always be recommended for continued use as a
common lodging house, but it should be borne in mind that if they are closed down many men
would be homeless.
And, while local authorities have no responsibility for the care of these men, except in
certain specified classes of people, common humanity dictates a reasonable approach.
The only common lodging house in the City is situated in Middlesex Street. The premises
consist of dormitories on six floors including the ground floor, with a canteen in the basement.
The canteen in the basement is one of the better features of this common lodging house and it
provides reasonable quality food at low prices. The canteen is frequented by many men who do
not live in this lodging house and it is known that many of these unfortunate people are liceinfested
and usually sleep rough in the surrounding areas.
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