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33
12. OVERCROWDING, HOUSES OF THE
WORKING CLASSES, AND COMMON
LODGING HOUSES.
I have already referred to the amount of overcrowding
which the last census returns revealed to be in
existence in this district. These returns refer to the
district as a whole only, and no data are given whereby
any estimate could be made of the amount of overcrowding
in each parish.
There can be little doubt, however, both from general
observation, and from the infantile death-rates which I
have recorded, that it is in Mitcham where it exists to
the greatest extent. In that portion of Merton adjoining
Mitcham, it also probably exists, though to a less extent.
For this reason, and in order to become intimately
acquainted with the dwellings of the working classes,
a house-to-house inspection of Mitcham parish was commenced
by me towards the close of the year. Owing
to the extensive prevalence of infectious disease, not
much time could be found available for this purpose,
but 50 houses have been thoroughly examined in detail,
and careful records made of the size and condition of
rooms, the numbers and ages of the inhabitants, and
of the sanitary arrangements and means of ventilation in
existence. Soon after the beginning of the year, I hope
to be able to continue this important work, and, I hope,
extend it more rapidly.
Among the above houses, were five in a row, called
"Piccadilly," which I reported in December to be, in my
opinion, unfit for human habitation, on the grounds of
"Dampness of foundations, imperfect roofs, absence of