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82
The deficiency of 2 per cent. on rental value will, in a
few years disappear, as the sinking fund accumulates.
It will be observed that the improvements have not
been effected under the general powers of the statut es but
under the special powers of Local Acts.
In one important direction Glasgow has made use,
however, of the Housing of the Working Classes Acts. In
bygone years houses in Glasgow were built and streets formed
having a good space at the back of each house—but owing
to the demand for buildings and absence of a proper
building Act, owners have been allowed to build on these
"back lands," covering such open spaces with structures
effectually blocking out light and air, and leaving between
each building only narrow passages, the receptacle of dust,
garbage and filth. The Corporation have utilised the
sections of the Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1890,
which are applicable to obstructive buildings and demolished
and cleared a number of the "back land" houses.
In the Borough of St. Marylebone a somewhat similar
condition of things prevails. The back yards of hundreds of
houses have been either entirely built over, or cottages have
been formed in the rear, obstructing the light and air of
the principal or parent building. It may be possible to
follow the example of Glasgow in many of such cases.
(To be continued.)