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In addition to cases of overcrowding discovered during
general inspections, seven complaints were received during the
year. Of these, four were abated by the tenants removing after
the service of Notices, and two by re-arrangement of the sleeping
accommodation.
In the other case the complaint was unfounded and appeared
to be due to neighbours' quarrels.
One problem is adequate separation of sexes and the provision
of sufficient accommodation for sleeping. These people
have made numerous applications for more suitable accommodation
but owing to the fact that there are so many children,
landlords refuse to accept them. They are working-class people
and are unable to purchase a house. To serve them with a
Statutory Notice and subsequently prosecute them for failing to
comply with it would be an action most difficult to justify. In
some instances by a little re-arrangement of the family it is
possible to reduce the amount of overcrowding and where this
advice is acted upon it is felt that the persons concerned are
doing their best in the circumstances. In some cases it is found
that overcrowding is due to sub-letting to persons coming into
the district from another area. In these latter cases notices are
always served, and enforced, for the abatement of overcrowding.
In a number of instances successful applications for ejectment
are made by the tenants to the local Magistrates.
Houses Let in Lodgings.—There are now 73 of these houses
on the Register. Two hundred and ten visits of inspection have
been made, and in addition, during the periodical house to house
inspection, a number of the houses let in lodgings were inspected,
but these visits will appear in the report of house to house
inspection.
Verminous Rooms.—During the year 23 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 Public Health Department
at the owner's expense, after the walls had been stripped as
required.
Common Lodging Houses.—There is one registered Common
Lodging House, namely, 42, Merton High Street, for which an
annual Certificate of Registration was granted from 1st January,
1931, to 31st December, 1931. These premises have been visited
from time to time when a few minor defects have been found.
The defects have been remedied immediately the owner's attention
has been directed to them, and the premises generally are kept
in a satisfactory condition.
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