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37
The increase of population is shown by the following
figures:
Census, 1911 22,330
Census, 1921 26,278
Estimated, Middle of 1925 (R.G.) 27,340
Houses of the smaller working class type, or a block of
workmen's self-contained flats, about 50 in number, to let at
an inclusive rental of about 10s. Od. per week are urgently
needed.
Most of the available land in the District is, however,
now being built on by private enterprise. These houses are for
sale only and consequently beyond the reach of the poorer
section of the community.
Unfortunately the new houses are not relieving the
overcrowding, which apparently shows little diminution, as
the purchasers are mainly from other districts.
The Council prepared a Housing Scheme in 1919,
proposing to build 218 houses. A site was acquired, laid out
and sewered, but the Ministry of Health only agreed to the
erection of 50 houses, and the remainder of the land has now
been sold for private building, and houses are being erected
for sale only, from £750 upwards.
In addition to the aforementioned 50 houses built by
the Council, 134 houses have been built by private enterprise
during the preceding five years ; others are in course of erection
and 21 houses have been converted into 47 flats.
Twelve additional cases of overcrowding were found,
and 8 cases were abated during the year.
Fitness of Houses.
The general standard of the housing is fairly good
considering that there is a number of old houses. There are