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22
We have now a number of rows of double tenements with the
back additions carried out to inordinate lengths with quite insufficient
space between the opposed walls of these back additions. The
result is that back rooms of the main buildings arc quite insufficiently
provided with light and air.
The provision of proper means of dealing with house refuse in
flats is another matter that requires attention. In cases where dustbins
have to be kept in kitchens and sculleries I invariably refuse
to sign the certificates asked for in order that remission or abatement
of income-tax be obtained. These certificates are usually
claimed as a kind of right, landlords seeming to think that no
discretion is allowed the Medical Officer of Health so long as the
building bye-laws are complied with.
This is of course a totally erroneous notion, and quite opposed
to the intentions of the legislature.
At the same time it would no doubt avoid the appearance of
hardship were the building bye-laws so strengthened that it should
not be possible for flats, etc., to be erected that do not "provide
proper sanitary accommodation, etc., for the families dwelling
therein."
Again, bye laws are required to deal with the provision of water
closets, etc., in houses, designed for one family but sublet to two
or more.
There is no offensive trade now carried on in Barnes or
Mortlake.
There are in Mortlake three public elementary schools
or groups of schools, each of which calls for some reference.