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14
Parish of Saint George the Martyr, Southwark.
In Consequence of a communication from the Local Government Board in August last
I made an official representation to the Metropolitan Board of Works of four sites a
being unhealthy areas, under the Artizans' and Labourers' Dwelling. Act of 1875
(Cross's) After some time I received a letter stating that the schemes could not be
adopted, as the sites were too small to come within the scope of the act.
There was no other alternative than to fall back on Torren's Act of 1868. I therefore
in January reported in writing to the Vestry Clerk as local authority, that certain house
and courts in Union 8treet, London Boad, were unfit for human habitation.
The vestry also received a letter from the Local Government Board as to the
condition of Fisher's Buildings in Sterry Street, stating that they were unfit for human
habitation and should be demolished. I could not agree to this, and accordingly I visited
them with four gentlemen from the Sanitary Committee, who agreed with me. Notices
however, were served to cleanse and repair and make certain alterations. After being
summmonsed at the Police Court, the landlord agreed to close the houses until the work
was complited which was done; but up to the present time no repairs have been begun
and the houses remain closed.
The great topic of the day has been that of the Homes of the Poor. No one who
Knows anything of the districts of the different parishes in London can but admit than
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there is much misery and destitution existing; that the houses are in most cases small
badly ventilated and often badly drained; but I do not think that the blame of this
state of things should altogether be thrown on the Vestries or their officers; nor on the
other hand do I believe that the landlords are at all times in fault, as the condition of
the houses is often caused by the neglect of the tenant. The dirt is more often than no
the fifth engendered by the habits of the people themselves. Paint work is never cleaned
and the stairs often a mass of mud. Granted that it is the duty of the landlord to keep
the house in a good sanitary condition, it is not too much to expect of the tenant or lodge
that he should help to keep it clean. But if you would alter this state of things you must
first educate the people to keep themselves and their houses clean.
Much has been said in favor of the Peabody Buildings, and dwellings of a similar
Character, but the rent of two room in those buildings is not compatible with the earnings
of the poorer class. We want houses in which rooms can be let at two shillings a week
this would help to solve the difficulty of overcrowding.