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28
Overcrowding.
At the end of the year 57 cases of overcrowding were
known to exist. There are undoubtedly many others which
have not been brought to notice. During the year only 11
c. ises of overcrowding were abated. In the majority of
ci'ses the total number of persons in the house was not
rtduced but the distribution of the occupants in the rooms
was varied.
Demolition of Unfit Houses.
Owing to the housing shortage it was not possible to
put into force closing orders on three houses which were
represented as unfit for human occupation during the year
1922. Immediately the houses are vacated the buildings
will be demolished.
Well Waters,
Four samples of water were submitted to your Council's
Chemist, Mr. P. G. Lloyd, during the year, and the results
of the analyses are shown as follows
1. Fountain Court.—Organically a usuable drinking
water.
2. Bearfield Road.—Ditto.
3. Windsor Road.—Ditto.
*4. Richmond Road.—An extremely bad sample and
totally unfit for drinking purposes—obviously
highly polluted.
* There was no complaint made with regard to this
water. The sample was taken in the ordinary course of
inspection, and despite the gross pollution, the tenant stated
that the water was "most palatable and pleasant."
Immediate steps were taken to prevent the continued
use of the water, and a new supply was obtained from the
Metropolitan Water Board.
An examination of the drainage system was made, and
as a result, serious defects were discovered. The well also
was traced and found to be within a few feet of the house.
The defective drain passed within 1 foot of the well.
The drains were reconstructed and the well abolished.