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more than twice the death-rate of the Borough. I inspected
most of the houses in these streets, and found many grave
defects, such as want of proper light and ventilation. Two of
the Globe Lane houses are referred to in paragraph 26 as to
taking proceedings for a closing order under the Housing of
the Working Classes Act. A large number of defects were
remedied in the others after service of notice under the Public
Health (London) Act. Several houses were improved by
providing light and ventilation on the staircases, &c. The
phthisis death-rate in Globe Lane was for the period
mentioned, 2.7 per 1,000, or 50 per cent. more than that of
the Borough, and in New Street for the 3¼ years ending March
31st, it reached the tremendous figure of 14 per 1,000, or more
than the death-rate of the Borough from all causes.
28. In some of the houses, I regret to say, the state of darkness
continues. Two of the cases of consumption occurred in
rooms where the direct rays of the sun can never penetrate.
Darkness of rooms is quite as serious from the health point of
view as dilapidations or defective drainage, but, unfortunately,
it does not appeal so forcibly to the mind of the average
layman.
29. 32 old and insanitary houses at Eltham have been
demolished and cleared by your Council for Municipal Buildings.
These were situate in Sun Yard and High Street. I had,
on more than one occasion, to report on the insanitary condition
of these houses. Most of the tenants displaced obtained
accommodation at New Eltham.
30. The 25 new houses being constructed under Part III.
of the Housing of the Working Classes Act, at North Woolwich,
are uow nearing completion.