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76
Overcrowding. —This question has received careful attention
throughout the year. The following summary shows the
number of cases of overcrowding dealt with:—
Cases outstanding at end of 1932 19
New cases investigated, 1933 35
54
Cases abated—Informal action 10
Statutory action 17
27
Cases where notice has not expired 13
Cases under consideration (special circumstances,
unemployment, etc.) 14
27
54
It was found necessary in three instances to institute legal
proceedings. The summonses were heard at the Stratford Police
Court. The particulars and results of the action taken are as
follows:—
(1) Man, wife and seven children sleeping and living in two
rooms.
Summons against owner, who also resided on the
premises, dismissed. Order obtained requiring tenant to
abate nuisance within two months, and to pay costs.
(2) Man. wife and seven children sleeping and living in
two rooms.
Order obtained requiring tenant to abate nuisance
within three months, and to pay costs.
(3) Five adults and one child (of different sexes) sleeping in
one room.
Order obtained requiring tenant to abate nuisance
within one month, and to pay costs.
In each case the Order was complied with.
In addition to the above-mentioned cases, forty-one visits
were paid to premises where overcrowding was reported to exist,
but upon investigation being made the facts were not substantiated.
The problem of overcrowding is a difficult one. There appears
to be no simple remedy for this evil, which has been prevalent
throughout the country for many years. Much has been written