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SUMMARY OF SANITARY IMPROVEMENTS.
During 1931, a Circular, No. 1202A, was received from
the Government, asking the Corporation, in common with
other local authorities, to expedite, as far as possible, the
carrying out of repairs to house property, in order to relieve
unemployment in the building trades.
The successful efforts made during 1931 were continued
during 1932, and local unemployment in the jobbing branch
of the building trades has been maintained at a comparatively
low figure. Although prices of materials and labour
have dropped considerably during the last few years, the
cost of house repairs is still very high, and probably not less
than 60 per cent. above pre-war level.
The undermentioned tabulated list of works carried out
show that very considerable expenditure has been incurred
to comply with notices served. No account is taken in these
lists, of works which were carried out voluntarily by owners,
apart from the Corporation's requirements, and, therefore,
the total expenditure in respect of repairs and re-decorations
to property in the Borough must have been much higher
than is indicated by the undermentioned works.