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25
Overcrowding.
Cases of overcrowding still exist, and there are many
pitiable cases brought to my notice. The desire for better
home conditions is an indication of the general social improvement
of the race—what was good enough for the lower strata
of the population 20 years ago is far below the standard
desired to-day. Twenty years hence we shall be horrified that
we allowed such overcrowding in houses as is known to exist
in certain houses in Bromley. There are cases where marriage
is delayed because of Lack of the possibility of a home.
Early marriage is desirable where we desire healthy children
and a good Birth Rate. There are cases, too, where wilful
restriction of births is exercised, and there are other defects
in Public Health resulting from shortage of houses. We
hear of the careless tenant, but the landlord who refuses to
let because of young children in the family is due for all
possible censure. Overcrowding as a nuisance is a difficult
matter to remedy under existing shortage; the Department
is fully alive to the urgency of the question and constant
observation is kept on the careless family. Urgent cases are
referred to the Housing Committee for consideration of council
houses. I think it would be a useful step if all successful
applicants for council houses were immediately notified to the
Health Department so that when the premises are vacated
steps may be taken to avoid a repetition of sub-letting and
overcrowding. Landlords appreciate this, for it is the overcrowded
property that so rapidly deteriorates—and what else
can be expected when the one lavatory has to meet the
requirements of several families, where cooking is done at
the open fireplace—where food is kept in the living-room,
and washing is attempted at the scullery sink.
House=to=House Inspection.
House-to-house inspection is maintained under the
Inspection of District Regulations. The following list of