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11
An explanation is necessary of one obvious discrepancy.
The tables make it appear as if the number of cases in the South
West Ward was less in 1931 than in 1921, as there were only 2,464
structurally separate dwellings in 1931 compared with 2,180 in 1921.
The figures in the next column contradict this assumption as the
number of rooms occupied was 13,718 in 1931 compared with 13,430
in 1921. This obvious paradox probably arose from the different
interpretations given by the enumerators of a structurally separate
dwelling. In the report a structurally separate dwelling has been
defined for the Census as any room or set of rooms intended or
used for habitation, having separate access either to the street or
to a common landing or staircase. Thus each flat in a block of
flats is a separate unit ; a private house which has not been structurally
sub-divided is similarly a single unit whether occupied by
one family or by several families. Where a private house has been
sub-divided into maisonettes or portions, each having its front door
opening on to the street or to a common landing or staircase to
which visitors have access, then each portion is treated as a separate
unit.
The discrepancy is easily understood ; everyone knows that
the number of houses in the South West Ward increased slightly
in the intercensal period. The column in which the total number
of rooms occupied is given, is therefore a safer index for comparison.
A comparison of these tables would tend to the conclusion
that the housing conditions in the district as a whole have improved
but that a deterioration has occurred in the North East Ward, and
this is probably a correct conclusion. The number of persons per
room has increased in the North East Ward from 0.82 to 0.85.
This is partly due to the fact that the houses newly erected are
smaller than the older ones, but it is also due to another factor.
The older and larger houses are now sublet and more than one
family is in occupation. We have noticed this tendency and in
some instances notices have had to be served for over-crowding
or some other nuisance.
The only figures which were surprising were those for the
South East Ward. The number of persons per room in that Ward
was 0.86 in 1921 and 0.82 in 1931. It is known that in this Ward
also there has been considerable sub-letting of houses.
The numbers for the South West Ward were 1.30 in 1921
and 1.18 in 1931. Those who have had long acquaintance with
housing conditions in this ward are of opinion that the conditions