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(3). The water-carriage system of excrement disposal is
universal in our district, and this must undoubtedly tend to
a low Infant Mortality Rate.
(4). See above—all the conveniences, even in the poorer
parts of our district are water-closets.
(5). See remarks (3) and (4).
(6). Our Byelaws provide for the paving of yards, not
only of new but existing houses, and any one critically inspecting
our district must be struck by the use that is made of
these provisions—For several years most excellent work has
been carried out in this respect.
As regards the scavenging, I can only say that if the
way it is carried out can be judged by the absence of complaint
both from householders themselves and from the
inspectors then we are alright as regards No. 6.
(7). A statement which admits of no denial. In my last
Annual Report in speaking of the insufficiency of Housing
Accommodation for the Working Classes, I drew attention
to the practice of converting into "Flats," or "Tenements,"
houses which were originally intended for one family in more
affluent circumstances. I remarked that very little is done
in the way of providing additional sanitary accommodation
(and indeed it is usually almost impossible to do all that is
necessary), with the result that a low standard of cleanliness
prevails.
I must also draw attention to my remarks in the
same report on the comparative absence of suitable larder
accommodation in dwellings of all classes, but especially the
cheaper ones.
I must state that statutory powers enabling us to deal
with the matters referred to under this heading are rather
meagre, but such as they are we use to the full.
(8, 9, 10 and 11). Which deal with the question of
poverty, state a case which is self-evident. Poverty being
due to economic conditions outside the direct control of
the Sanitary Authority, calls for no further discussion here.