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countries to which it should be directed. That emigration would
be a boon to those who may be assisted to leave this overcrowded
Metropolis goes without saying; but it must be borne in mind
that immigration might, and probably would, neutralize the good
effects anticipated from the exodus. The estimated annual increase
of the population of London in the eight years, 1881-9 was
65,000. The annual excess of births over deaths accounts for
52,000 only, the remaining number, 13,000, being due to immigration,
which probably would increase in extent when it became
known that better prospects of work were being opened up by a
Government scheme of emigration.
THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD ON THE
DWELLINGS OF THE LABOURING CLASSES.
The President of the Local Government Board addressed a
circular letter, in December, to the several local authorities in
the Metropolis, dealing with the above subject, as follows:—
"Local Government Board,
"Whitehall,
"2nd December, 1889.
"Sib,
"The Local Government Board have had under their consideration the
great and pressing question of the housing of the labouring classes. They cannot
avoid the conclusion that a large number of the working population of this
country are at present housed in tenements which are either unfit for human
habitation or in such a condition as to be distinctly prejudicial to the health
of the inmates. There can be no doubt of the gravity of the evils which result
from the insanitary condition of the dwellings of the poor, or of the ability of
the local authorities, by a strenuous and judicious exercise of the powers which
the Legislature has conferred on them for this purpose, to effect a very material
improvement in the present condition of these dwellings. The Board deem it
right, therefore, again to bring especially under the attention of the local
authorities of the Metropolis the duties which are imposed on them by the
Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1885, and the large powers which they
possess under the Nuisances Removal Acts and other statutes in relation to this
matter.
"Section 7 of the Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1885, which was
enacted in accordance with a recommendation contained in the report of the
Royal Commission on the Housing of the Working Classes, expressly declares
that it shall be the duty of every local authority entrusted with the execution of