View report page

18
This is obviously true, but in any case it is satisfactory to
know that magistrates are determined to assist Local Authorities
to improve the dwellings of the poor.
The above list of mal-conditions, applicable to dwelling-houses,
is no new invention of Sanitary Experts, and daily experience
constantly advises that greater efforts should be forthcoming to
put into practice the knowledge which this experience brings.
Dr. Anders, as a result of special investigations in Philadelphia,
shows how much influence the width of streets exerts upon the
tendency to Phthisis in the inhabitants. In other words, complete
movement of air about dwellings is a point of the utmost
importance. Dr. Cameron, in his Report to the Town Council of
Leeds, proves that back-to-back houses increase the risk of those
living in them from death by Diarrhoea; thus 81 per cent. of the
deaths within his town, took place in houses which had no through
draughts, against 19 per cent. in houses with thorough ventilation.
You will therefore be prepared after these remarks to hear
that I propose shortly to call your attention to some of those
houses in your District which fall short of the requirements which
are necessary to constitute a healthy home.
I have the honour to be,
Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
JOSEPH LOANE.