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I admit the death-rate was low, and was not of much assistance in recommending
the scheme. This is true of a large number of insanitary areas that have
of recent years been cleared in London and elsewhere. In this instance, perhaps,
it was due to some extent to the large number of people at the healthiest
period of their existence.
44 were children under 1 year of age.
173 were children between 1 and 5 years of age.
360 were between 5 and 15 years of age.
235 were between 15 and 25 years of age.
530 were between 25 and 65 years of age.
27 were over 65 years of age.
1,369
The number of infectious diseases notified was 8 in 1901 and 10 in 1902. These
numbers again were less relatively than that for the whole of the Borough.
The representation was considered by the Housing of the Working Classes
Committee of the London County Council on February 25th, 1903. The Committee's
report, after viewing the area., was that with regard to that portion of the
area north of Fairclough Street, " we may describe the houses in Batty's Gardens as
being mostly small houses. Many of them are only two storeys in height, and some
are damp and in bad repair. Some of the houses in Berner Street are old and
decayed, but those in Fairclough Street are in better condition. This part of the
area changed hands in 1901 and again just recently at a greatly enhanced price.
There appears also every prospect that this part of the area will shortly be rebuilt
for commercial purposes. Having regard to these facts, we are of opinion that as
regards this portion of the area there is no adequate reason why any scheme for its
improvement under Part I. of the Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1890, should
be undertaken by the Council. The south part of the area consists of six rows of
small houses, nearly all of which are two storeys in height and almost entirely occupied
by foreigners. They are practically worn out, and have cramped yard space
in rear. They cannot, however, be said to be in a generally insanitary condition.
The three streets on this portion of the area are narrow, but having regard to the
lowness of the houses abutting upon them, we are unable to say that they require
re-arrangement for this reason. Indeed, their whole appearance is such that we
could not justify their inclusion in a scheme under Part I. of the Act."
The Council recommended that no improvement scheme be made in pursuance
of the official representation, and this was confirmed at the Council meeting of March
10 th, 1903.