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41
I am as I said last year constantly being appealed to, to assist
in getting a "Council House." In almost every case the applicants
are decent working class families with their own furniture and in
steady work, who can afford to pay a reasonable rent, some have
offered up to 20/- per week.. These even if they can get rooms are
at the mercy of the profiteering landlord. It is melancholy work
listening to the tale of the many trampings of the mother of a
family to whom every door is shut directly she admits the existance
of a family.
I. Fitness of Houses.
(1) (a) General standard of Housing in the district:
The general standard is steadily improving.
(b) General character of defects found to exist in
unfit houses:
Dampness due to want of proper damp-proofing, inadequate
lighting and ventilation and general
dilapidation are the main defects found.
(c) How far defects are due to lack of proper
management and supervision by owners:
The defects are found in the main, due to owners
neglecting to have repairs carried out.
(2) Action taken as regards unfit houses under:
(a) Public Health Acts See appendices.
(b) Housing Acts „
(3) Difficulty in remedying unfitness, special measures
taJcen mid any suggestions in the matter:
Landlords give the price of materials and the cost of
labour as reasons for delay or neglect in the repair
of reparable houses.
(4) Conditions so far as they affect housing, as regards
water supply, closet accommodation and refuse
disposal, together with measures taken during
the year in these matters: