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81
A water-supply on the upper floors, where occupied by a
separate family, has been provided, as required by the London
County Council (General Powers) Act. This encourages the
lodgers to keep their rooms cleaner than they would if the
water had to be carried some distance instead of being close to
hand. A strict supervision is maintained over negligent and
dirty lodgers to prevent abuse where a separate water supply
and sink are provided, to prevent the sinks from becoming
foul and nuisance arising.
Where there are young children, the parents are warned
against leaving the children in a room with an unprotected
fire. In one instance, two children, aged respectively two and
three years, were left quite alone for hours in a room with a
fire without a fire-guard on: and in another instance, in
addition to there being no fire guard, the kettle placed on the
stove was boiling over. The latter case was referred to the
N.S.P.C.C. Society, the mother being in the habit of spending
most of her mornings in the public house, and leaving her five
children (ages ranging from ten months to eight years) to
manage as best they could.
Animals are often a great source of nuisance in a house
occupied by several families. Very often one finds four or five
cats of uncleanly habits in a tiny room occupied by one person
for sleeping and living purposes. In one very dirty house a
donkey was found occupying the scullery. A satisfactory
remedy was brought about in all cases.
The work in respect of verminous conditions is increasing
and takes up much time, numerous revisits being necessary
to effect a lasting improvement. There is great difficulty in
dealing with these cases owing to the fact that the London
County Council (General Powers) Act, whilst giving power to
deal with verminous premises (i.e., structures), makes no provision
for dealing with verminous bedding, etc.
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