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the minimum requirements for decent living involving the least
possible labour, such as is compatible with their advanced years
and attenuated incomes. Most of the rents these old folks pay
are under 7/-, some as low as 5/6, and their total income is only
the old age pension of 10/- each. Further the coal consumption
necessary to keep these old folks, who feel the cold intensely, adequately
warmed, is greater than in the case of younger people. It
is no use. The rents that are charged for the smallest houses being
built to let are far beyond their limited possibilities. Houses
grouped round a flagged court that is cleansed by every rainfall
diminishes the dirt tramped in to the house, and with it the work
of cleaning. Further the grouping in small numbers, about a
dozen or so, is happier for the old folks, who prefer life amongst
others of similar age with similar outlooks and ideas incidental to
their incapacities, than to be planted here and there amongst the
younger and more active members of the population, who generally
speaking are impatient with the idiosyncracies of old age.
During the year in connection with the inspection of existing
houses under the Housing Consolidated Regulations, 1925, one of
the Sanitary Inspectors was appointed Housing Inspector and has
since devoted his whole time to these duties. This has ensured that
the housing work has been carried out in a more systematic manner.
HOUSING CONDITIONS STATISTICS.
1. GENERAL.
Number of New Houses erected during the year : —
(a) Total (including figures given below) 1,881
(b) With State assistance under the Housing Acts :—
(1) By the Local Authority 78
(2) By other Bodies or Persons —