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defects. As a rule, the notices were readily complied
with, hut in some cases a great deal of trouble was
given to get the works finished. In four instances
summonses had to be taken out.
In houses occupied by the lowest class of poor not
much encouragement is given to landlords to make
their dwellings comfortable. After they are put into
repair the most wanton and wilful mischief is practised,
closets stopped up with old boots, bricks, beer cans, or
anything they can lay their hand3 upon; covers of
dust-bins wrenched off for firewood, and even doors
taken away; taps of the water supply stolen and also
the lead pipes. The closets in many instances are used
in a most disgusting manner, the seat and floor
covered with excrement and filth.
Underground Dwellings.—21 notices were served
upon owners of houses to cause dwellings of this class
not meeting the requirements of the Act to be vacated.
Some of these dwellings are inhabited by only two or
rhree persons, are kept clean, and free from dampness,
vet the area may not be the required width, or the
opening at the top of the area not sufficiently large to
meet the requirements of the Act. No doubt all
dwellings partially under ground, if even meeting the
requirements of the Act, are not conducive to health,
light and air must of course be more difficult of access.
This class of rooms are let cheaper than others, hence
the poorest are too glad to secure them.