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(5) Three W.C.'s (automatic Id. in slot locks). Four W.C.'s (one free). Three
urinettes. One lavatory basin in attendant's cubicle.
The water closets are partitioned off by glazed brickwork or marble, the doors
being of wood. In most cases the W.C.'s are of the white glazed wash-down type with
wooden lift-up seats; the flushing apparatus being hand pulled. Of the four conveniences
which have urinettes, three have automatic flushing cisterns.
The washing accommodation in the conveniences is provided by means of fitted
hot and cold water taps, but the hot water is only supplied direct to the basins in one
convenience, the hot water having to be obtained from a kettle or gas heater in the
others. The water supply is direct from the main in all cases.
General Observations.—Children without their parents often use the conveniences
and have to be watched. A separate W.C. for their use would seem to be advisable.
Every effort is made to keep the conveniences in a clean condition but it is
apparent that they are frequently misused by adults in addition to children, it being
a common practice for persons using the W.C.'s and urinettes to neglect to pull the
flush. The sanitary condition of these conveniences is on the whole considered to be
satisfactory.
Common Lodging Houses.
The work in connection with common lodging houses, is carried out under the
Public Health (London) Act, 1936.
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 32 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 commencement of the year 1936, 417 houses were registered as houses let
in lodgings.
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