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30
In 1900 the works in the district were very busy,
and practically every house was occupied, while building
proceeded rapidly to supply the demand for houses to
accommodate the workmen who came into the district.
About 1906, however, slackness of work and labour
troubles caused the emigration of a number of workmen,
and at one time about 750 houses were ampty. In the
year 1913 only a few houses were empty, but with the
outbreak of war, the large factories here were occupied
in munition making, and there was a big influx of workmen,
so that the population went up to well over 35,000
in 1915 and 1916. In 1917 and 1918 it decreased again,
and in 1920 the Registrar-General estimated the population
to be 31,741.
Work has been commenced on the Housing Schemes
proposed by the Council, and on one site about 90 houses
are in course of erection.
(ii) Overcrowding.
It is estimated that there are about 120 houses in
the district which are over crowded, taking as a standard
more than two persons per room.
There are also approximately 400 houses which are
occupied (without having been specially adapted) by two
or more families.
The principal cause of overcrowding is, of course,
the shortage of houses, and in view of this, little or
nothing can be done to abate the -trouble until more
houses are built.
(iii) Fitness of Houses.
(1) (a) The general standard of housing is good ;
before the war it was better than at present. Probably
half the houses in the district have been built during the
past 25 years under the Council's bye-laws, and the large
majority of these have remained in good condition.
Many of the older houses have, however, owing to want
of timely repairs, due to war, and post-war conditions,
not been maintained at their pre-war standard.