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There are nine artesian wells in the Borough, the water from one of which is used
for brewing. In no instance is well water, so far as is known, being used for drinking
purposes at the present time. There is a satisfactory supply of drinking water from
the mains in the public elementary schools.
Ashpits.
It is satisfactory to be able to state that there are now only six ashpits in the
Borough. One of these serves 14 houses, two 12 houses and one 11 houses. These
are reported to be in satisfactory condition, but total abolition would certainly be
desirable. During the year 1934 seven ashpits were abolished.
Common Lodging Houses.
The work in connection with common lodging houses, which is carried out under
the Public Health (London) Act, 1891, was transferred to the Borough Council by
the Transfer of Powers (London) Order, 1933.
The number of common lodging houses in the borough is four, the number of
beds being 123, 87, 46 and 28 respectively. All the lodging houses are for males.
During the year 41 visits of inspection were paid.
In general it may be said that the common lodging houses are not of modern type,
the buildings are old and the houses can only be kept up to the required standard of
efficiency by constant supervision.
Houses Let in Lodgings.
At the end of the year 1933, 410 houses were registered as houses let in lodgings.
During the year 1934 sixteen were added and eight were removed, leaving a total of
418 on the register at the end of 1934.
The type of house varies but the greater proportion consist of from seven to ten
rooms. It need hardly be mentioned that the majority of these houses were originally
constructed for a totally different purpose and generally it may be said that they
are unsatisfactory for the purpose for which they are used. This is, however, a
difficulty which can only be overcome when improvement is effected in the housing of
the people as a whole. Many of these houses have basement rooms which are occupied
in contravention of the regulations of the Borough Council. The sanitary conveniences
are usually in the yard; there is generally a water supply in the yard and
most of the houses have a water supply on the upper floors. The sinks are often fitted
on the landings of the staircase. The houses are kept in fair repair and action to
maintain this is taken under the Public Health (London) Act, 1891. During the
year 744 visits of inspection were made. There was no appreciable amount of
overcrowding above that which generally prevails in the district.