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110.
Naturally the poorest families suffer most and pay a
fourth or even a third of their income in rentals. Many
old age pensioners pay half of their 10/- allowance for
their rooms, but they wish to retain their privacy, independence
and liberty and do without food rather than
go into the Public Assistance Institution. During the
war, building practically ceased on account of the cessation
of the demand for houses and the scarcity of skilled
workmen, and after the war the high price of labour and
materials prevented progress in building. The Rent
Restrictions Acts, unemployment, and high taxation increased
the difficulty notwithstanding Government
grants and loans, while at the same time all classes of
the community aimed at a higher standard of living,
less work and more leisure, none of which they could
afford. Many of the poorest people have the largest
families and bring children into the world whom they
are unable to support, and this is a prolific cause of
overcrowding. Such parents are sometimes unfit
physically and are unable to compete with their fellows
in the labour market and therefore cannot pay sufficient
rent for the accommodation they require.
No important movements in population have
occurred during the period under review and none are
anticipated. The gradual fall in the birth rate has in
all probability resulted in a diminution in the population
but the fall has no doubt been reduced by the lower
death rate.
Fitness of Houses. Difficulties found in action under
the Public Health Acts or under Section 3 of the Housing
Act, 1930: V ery little difficulty has been experienced
in obtaining compliance with notices. Authority for
taking out summonses has been given by the Council in
a large number of cases, but in only a very few cases
has it been necessary to take out the summons. The
Council has not been called upon to carry out any work
in default of owners.
With regard to water supply all houses have an
adequate supply. All houses have water closet accommodation.