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23
physical weakness results in an unsatisfied demand in the
labour market; the unsatisfied demand is the cause of an
influx from without; again that influx results in overcrowding.
The causes which lie at the root of overcrowding, and
determine that condition, briefly enumerated, are:-
1. The unrestricted occupation of building land, with
bricks and mortar, to the exclusion of open space,
and without reference to the hygienic requirements
of the people.
2. The artificial value to which land in the vicinity of
town districts has been raised by means of speculative
holding.
3. The system of leasehold tenure, or dual ownership,
in house property.
4. The demolition of artizans' dwellings, either for the
purpose of public improvement, or in the course
of individual or collective enterprise.
5. The land system, resulting in the discouragement of
individual enterprise, and leading to the migration
of rural populations into town areas.
To these causes of overcrowding may be added those which
derive their origin from that condition itself.
6. The elevated birth rate, characteristic of unhealthy
and impoverished communities.
7. The existence in the labour market of an unsatisfied
demand for muscular strength and skill, whilst at
the same time the market is overstocked with men
weak in physical capacity and unskilled in the
arts of any craft.