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Speaking generally, although there are exceptions, the bulk of the persons
occupying the houses are of a good working-class type, and the houses, so far as
they are concerned, are kept in a good condition. There are exceptions, but these
are comparatively few, in which the tenants, as a result of carelessness or poverty
or for other reasons, maintain the houses in bad condition, and in a few instances
even have permitted the places to become almost of the type found in what are
commonly called slums. These cases are, however, extremely few, and as a result
of the house-to-house inspection which has been made, marked improvement, even
in these, has been obtained.
In other directions, as a result of the investigations and the service of notices
and of personal appeal to the landlords, quite considerable alterations have
been carried out. These improvements, in the case of one of the blocks, have
resulted in the formation of a large open space and the providing of greatlyimproved
lighting and ventilation to a number of premises. The actual number of
notices that have been served during the course of the inspections is noted in the
summaries, but apart from these, as indicated, there has been a great deal of
informal communication with the owners.
In response to an enquiry as to proposals for future development of the
property, I have received a letter from the agents from which it appears quite
certain that at the earliest possible opportunity steps will be taken, and that it is
mainly legislative difficulties which are holding up advance. In the meantime the
owners are prepared to exercise a careful supervision of the properties, and to carry
out a considerable amount of work in maintaining the premises in a habitable
condition. Close supervision, of course, is also kept by the Public Health Department,
and wherever necessary, notices are served or communications sent with
regard to matters calling for attention. It will presumably be the desire of the
Public Health Committee that this supervision should be maintained, and to
instruct me accordingly.
The Housing Committee of the Council naturally being interested in the
inspections which have been made and the results that have been obtained, the
Public Health Committee no doubt will consider it proper to give instructions for a
copy of the summaries and this note to be sent to that Committee.
I am, Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
CHARLES PORTER,
Medical Officer of Health.
HOUSING CONDITIONS—PORTLAND TOWN, HENRY STREET AREA,
ST. JOHN'S WOOD.
(Note.—The areas referred to below are as set out in the Memorandum on Housing
(small blue book), dated July, 1926.
AREA No. 1.
Boundaries.
This area has a frontage of dwelling-houses and other buildings in Henry
Street, Upper William Street, Barrow Hill Road and Charlbert Street, and contains
a small court, Henry Place, entered by a passageway 9 feet wide between Nos. 75
and 77, Henry Street.
Area Measurements.
The total superficial area is approximately 76,263 square feet, and the total
uncovered yard and garden space is approximately 22,980 square feet.