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33
It has been stated that: "If unrest is to be converted into
Contentment, the provision of good houses may prove one of the
most potent agents in that conversion. If a healthy race is to be
reared, it can be reared only in healthy homes; if infant mortality
is to be reduced, and tuberculosis to be stamped out, the first
essential is the improvement of housing conditions."
A reference to pages 24-26 will show the work of the sanitary
inspectors in regard to housing conditions generally.
PARSONS ROW IMPROVEMENT SCHEME.
Upon my representation in December, 1925, the Council decided
to schedule a group of 51 houses described as the Parsons Row
area, as an unhealthy area. An improvement scheme to deal with
acquisition of the site, demolition of the houses, and rehousing
of the displaced tenants at a cost of £34,000 was agreed upon.
The Minister of Health instituted a local public enquiry in October,
1926. Official sanction to proceed with the scheme had not been
granted at the end of the year, but favourable outcome is anticipated.
Photographs are given illustrating the type of premises dealt
with in the scheme.
SCHOOLS.
All the schools in the district are regularly inspected, when any
defect in the sanitary arrangements or water supply are dealt with.
With one exception, the whole of the schools are connected with
the sewer. Castle School,. Rippleside, is cesspool drained.
Six of the eight elementary schools have spring-bib fountains
with metal cups attached, fixed in the playgrounds, for drinking
purposes. The remaining two schools are without fountains of any
sort, the children having recourse to taps above the wash-basins.