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19
Number of dwellinghouses, the defects in which were
remedied without the making of Closing Orders 114
Number of dwellinghouses which, after making of
Closing Orders, were put into a fit state for
human habitation. 0
In order to obtain a correct estimate of the general character
of the defects, I have made an exhaustive analysis of each of the
208 reports, which brings out the following facts:—
By far the most prominent defect was the paving of yards,
which was noted in 83 cases to be defective.
It is well known that but few damp courses were put in the older
houses, and there were none in at least 106 of those examined.
Dampness of either living rooms, bed rooms, or scullery
occurred in 28 cases. Roofs were defective in 62. Rain water
gutters, absent or defective in 40. In 43 there was either no sink
or the existing one was out of repair. The disposal of ashes and
refuse was not satisfactory in 35—generally from absence of or
dilapidated condition of the receptacle.
The conditions as to water supply and sufficiency of light were
especially satisfactory, and only 2 cases of overcrowding were
noted in these houses.
I cannot point to any special parish in which the shortness of
artizans' dwellings is specially marked; the great trouble is that
the rents are usually too high in comparison with the wages, leading
to 2 families frequently occupying one house, or a large family
occupying too small a house, and in some cases a shortness of food
and clothing.
Bye-laws and Adoptive Acts.
The following Eye-laws, Regulations, and Adoptive Acts are in
force in the District:—
Bye-laws with regard to Common Lodging Houses, adopted
24th June and confirmed by the Local Government Board,
July 10th, 1902.
Bye-laws with regard to Slaughter-houses, adopted January 4th
and allowed by the Local Government Board, 30th January,
1901.
Bye-laws with respect to tents, vans, sheds, and similar structures
used for human habitation, adopted 6th November
and allowed by the Local Government Board, 27th November,
1906.
Bye-laws for securing the decent lodging and accommodation
of persons engaged in hop-picking or in the picking of
fruit amd vegetables, adopted 24th February, 1899, and
allowed 7th March, 1899.