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41
They are all constructed of wood, protected externally with
tarred felt, and consist, generally, of a living room and washhouse,
a bedroom for the occupying family, and a bedroom for
the labourers, the total number occupying each dwelling varying
from 8 to 14, or occasionally more.
Such dwellings, most of which, although temporary, will be
required for two years or more, have entailed considerable care
in order that the conditions of the tenants may be as healthy as
is possible under the circumstances. Speaking generally, the
buildings have been fairly satisfactory, except those referred to
in the table, in which there was lack of ordinary domestic
accommodation, and dampness, while their surroundings were
so filthy that it was imperative to regard them as unfit for
habitation, especially in view of the large number of persons—
63—found to be inhabiting them. Proceedings having been
instituted, closing orders were made to take effect in 28 days,
but during that period the surroundings, and in some respects
the dwellings, too, were so transformed that no objection was
ultimately raised to the order being rescinded.
A thorough administration of the Housing of the Working
Classes Act is called for in parts of this District, if the
conditions and surroundings of a considerable number of its
inhabitants are to be really improved. As time goes on, the
number of houses in certain parts of the District, which can only
be described as unfit for habitation, must increase, and it is
desirable that the powers conferred by the Act on the Council
should be completely applied.
Houses which the Council are satisfied are unfit for habitation
should be closed by order as quickly as legal procedure will
permit, for any repairs and alterations carried out subsequent to
such proceedings must inevitably be more thorough and complete
than those effected before, when there is every temptation to
do work sufficient only to ward off proceedings for a time.
Beyond this, such procedure would have its due effect on other