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49
In connection especially with those cases in which the premises deprived of
water were tenement houses, valuable assistance was obtained from Alderman
J. Lea-Smith, the Council's representative on the Metropolitan Water Board,
who takes a great amount of interest in this part of the work and endeavours to
ensure that no undue hardship shall result to the occupants of the tenements, on
account of the discontinuance of the supply.
HOUSING.
During the year proceedings, as shown below, were taken under the Housing
of the Working Classes Act in two cases only. In these, applications were
made for a closing order which was not obtained in either, the summons in
one instance being withdrawn on the owner of the premises undertaking to make
them habitable to the satisfaction of the Medical Officer of Health. In the
remaining case the magistrate refused to grant an order as the owner had carried
out certain works between the time the summons was served and the case heard-
Offence. Result.
The premises, No. 10, Watson's Mews, unfit for human habitation. Summons withdrawn. Owner
undertook that the premises should
not be occupied for three months.
He conferred with the Medical
Ofificerof Health as to the necessary
works required to make them
habitable, and executed them
accordingly.
The premises, being the cottage at the rear of No. 32, Burne Street, unfit for human habitation.
Magistrate refused to grant a
closing order as certain works were
executed between the time the
summons was served and the date
of the hearing of the case. Summons
dismissed.
The Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1909, most of which comes into
force on 1st January, 1910, makes considerable alterations in connection with
the matter of closing orders, leaving the making of these to the Local Authority.
The considerable improvements made in 1909, in connection with housing,
have been made mainly as a result of notices served under the Public Health
Act or the by-laws, but partly as a result of pressure brought to bear upon
owners of property, who in most instances readily agreed to meet either the
Medical Officer of Health or the Inspector to discuss matters. In several cases
such meetings resulted either in considerable alterations being made, or if
remedies seemed impossible, in voluntary closure of the premises.
Several exceedingly insanitary dwellings in mews and over stables were
closed in this way. In no case were proceedings taken for closure under the
Public Health Act.