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The total number of rooms in the above mentioned Lodging Houses, found to be
overcrowded, is 87: that is to say, that in those 87 rooms, there is a less space allotted
to each lodger, than 300 cubic feet. The number of cubic feet which is allotted
for each lodger in these rooms respectively, was ascertained on measurement to be
as follows 145, 166, 175, 195, 210, 225, 226, 228, 229, 232, 233, 237, 237, 238,
240, 210, 240, 243, 244, 245, 245, 247, 247, 248, 248, 250, 250, 252, 252, 252, 255,
256, 257, 261, 262, 263, 263, 263, 263, 261, 265, 268, 268, 269, 270, 270, 272, 272,
272, 272, 273, 273, 273, 274, 275, 275, 275, 275, 2/5, 277, 278, 280, 281, 281, 282,
282, 283, 284, 285, 285, 288, 289, 289, 291, 291, 291, 292, 292, 293, 294, 291, 297,
297, 299, 299, 299, 299.
The numbers of the several rooms in each Lodging House arc not given in the
above return; for it was found on inspection that the tickets showing the number of
beds each room is licensed to contain were in many cases removed, and in others the
tickets did not correspond with the number of beds in the room.
In order, therefore, to facilitate the inspection of these houses, and to particularize
each room in any further communication that I may have with you on the subject,
I would suggest that each room should be not only numbered, but its cubic capacity
legibly painted on a plate of zinc or tin; the number of beds which it is registered to
contain, and the same to be nailed to the wall in the most conspicuous part of the
room. It might be also advantageous if not only a number but a name be given to
each room.
The under-mentioned sanitary defects require your attention, viz.:—
At No. 6, Paternoster Row, the rooms numbered 3 and 6 are badly ventilated.
No. 12, Princes Street, the several staircases leading from No. 4 room to No. 1 room
are not enclosed, but they form a part of each of the said rooms; whereby the foul
air which is generated in the lower rooms is carried by means of the ventilating shaft
of the staircases from the lower to the upper rooms. Room No. 1 contains 27 beds, and
rooms Nos. 2, 3, and 4 contain 70 beds each. The room No. 1, at 4 Flower and Dean
Street is badly ventilated. The room No. 8, at 4 Flower and Dean Street is very
dark and badly ventilated. The walls of No. 2 room, 11, Flower and Dean Street
are wet from the overflow of the tank. The yard of No. 13, Flower and Dean Street
is badly paved. No. 20, George Street, room No. 3 is badly lighted and ventilated.
In measuring those rooms which are appropriated to married couples, a larger
open space is required than 300 cubic feet for each person; for these numerous divisions
very materially diminish the amount of air which is requisite for the healthy
existence of those occupying these compartments.
In the course of the next three months I expect to be able to complete my inspection
of the Registered Common Lodging Houses in this District.
I am, Dear Sir,
Very truly yours,
Captain Harris, Scotland Yard. JOHN LIDDLE,
Sanitary Works Performed during the Quarter.
The following return shows the amount of work done by the Sanitary
Inspectors during the Quarter ending April 1st, 1876.
Number of inspections of houses as shown in the official returns 2375
Houses specially visited 269
Houses specially re-visited 1176