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The general death.rate for the Model.dwellings within the District,
was 23.2 per 1000. The zymotic death.rate was 4 per 1000.
and it equalled the death.rate for constitutional diseases. More
than 25 per cent, of the residents of this class of dwellings died in
Public Institutions, and 10 per cent, of the total selected the London
Hospital.
Classifying these Model.dwellings into "fit" and "unfit," the
death.rate becomes 22.8 for the former, and 26.2 for the latter. I
may explain, that more frequently the habits of the tenants mark the
division into either class.
Concerning the usefulness of this Acft, I have previously
expressed some doubt. Excepting under certain conditions, I am
of opinion that much can be obtained more
Housing of the readily from other legislative enactments. In.
Working deed, even where the 1890 Act seemed to be the
Classes Act, one best adapted to obtain the object desired, I
1890. have frequently obtained from owners of property
the closing and even demolition of houses by
consent. As an illustration of a difficulty which took place, where
no other suitable means appeared to be available for the purpose,
I ask your consideration of the following case. Two houses, entered
from different streets, had been connected by irregular structures
of wood, so as to become virtually one large building. This building
was used partly as a Restaurant, and partly as a Turkish bath.
The upper premises were occupied for residential purposes. Nothing
more unwholesome than this jointly occupied place could be
imagined. A summons was taken out under Section 32 (1) of the
Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1890, against the owner, who
is defined in the Act, as being the person having an interest in the
premises of not less than 21 years. The lessee had a lease
unexpired of 15 years. He was represented by a solicitor. The
owner appeared by counsel, and declared his willingness to consent
to any Order the Magistrate might make. Your Clerk also
appeared on behalf of your Board. After two adjournments,
although the case was proved up to the hilt, the magistrate
diredted another summons to be issued against the lessee, and
after four attendances at court on the part of your Officers, he
made an Order for closing the premises both against the owner and