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Appendix II.—(continued.)
As to Premises Without Proper Light.
In this case the Medical Officer of Health had reported an underground
room, not separately occupied, at No. 1, James Street, Woolwich,
which was without sufficient natural light, and which was, in consequence,
alleged to be in a state dangerous or injurious to health.
A Statutory Notice having failed, proceedings were taken under
Section 5 of the Public Health (London) Act, 1891.
The Town Clerk appeared to prosecute, and the Defendant was
defended by a Solicitor.
The room in question, a front basement room, was lighted by a
window looking into a small area, having over it a covered grating,
through which only light could be obtained, and it was proved on the
hearing that it was too dark to read large print in the middle of the room
on a clear day an hour before sunset, and that as light was essential to
health, both in its effect on vital processes, and indirectly as preventing
dirt, the condition of the room was such as to be dangerous or injurious to
health. In every other respect the conditions of the room were satisfactory.
The Medical Officer of Health and Dr. Annis, of Greenwich, gave
evidence in support of the prosecution.
Mr, Rupert Kettle, the Magistrate, made an Order to abate the
nuisance, with 23s. costs.