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It is, therefore, patent to all who understand the average
earnings of the working-class people, that it is impossible for
them to be able to rectify their unfortunate positions.
When inspecting premises in connection with overcrowding,
the Officer is usually met with the remark "If I could
find another place, I would clear out to-morrow!" followed
by the vexed question "Do you know where there is a house
to let?"
There are, however, cases in which we find the overcrowding
is due to recent sub-letting, where the accommodation
had only been sufficient for the tenants themselves.
In these cases notices have been served for the abatement of
the nuisance. In one such case where the notice had not
been complied with at the end of the year, action is still being
taken.
In July. 1926, the erection of sixty houses on the Council's
land, Durnsford Road, suitable for the occupation of the
working classes, was commenced, but none were occupied
until early 1927.
Houses Let in Lodgings.—There are 67 of these houses
on the Register, and 613 visits of inspection were made during
the year, to ensure that the Bye-laws were being observed.
Verminous Rooms.—During the year 38 rooms have been
dealt with. As previously, the necessary notices were served
upon the persons responsible, whether occupier or owner.
Every assistance has been given to those who were anxious to
free their premises from vermin, and fumigants have been
supplied at cost price, or fumigation carried out by the Department
at the owner's expense, after the walls have been
stripped, as required.
Common Lodging Houses.—There are two Common Lodging
Houses in the district, viz., Nos. 42 and 188, Merton High
Street, for which Annual Certificates of Registration were
granted from 1st January, to 31st, December, 1926. Three
inspections of the premises have been made from time to time
at irregular intervals, and I am pleased to report that all
the provisions of the Bye-laws were rigidly observed.
Van Dwellings.—The difficulties in dealing with van
dwellers in certain parts of the district continue, and the inadequacy
of the Bye-laws for Tents, Vans and Sheds, and
and the provisions of the Wimbledon Corporation Act of 1914
are more and more clearly demonstrated. During the year
a suggestion was made to the Public Health Committee that
application should be made to the Ministry of Health for
sanction to adopt Section 43 of the Public Health Act, 1925,
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