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wanted are wholesome dwellings at a reasonable rent consistent with
the scanty earnings of the poor. The Peabody Buildings are
admirable and excellent institutions, but they do not meet the means
of the poorest class.
Bake-Houses.
The bake-houses have been duly inspected, and with the
exception of one which required lime-whiting, they were all in a
cleanly and orderly condition. I could not ascertain that any lad
under the age of 18 was employed during the restricted hours, viz.,
from 9 o'clock at night till 5 o'clock in the morning.
Houses Let Out in Lodgings.
Your Inspector, whom you appointed permanent inspector of
these houses, has regularly inspected them, and reported to me all
sanitary defects that came under his notice.
Dusting.
During the year 3,360 applications have been made at the Vestry
Hall for the removal of dust. This number does not represent the
whole of the work done by the contractor—those houses and large
establishments where the contractor has certain specified days for
its removal, are not included in the above figures. Your Surveyor
and Inspector both agree as to the satisfactory and punctual
manner in which the work is done. Whilst speaking on the subject
of dust removal, I would draw your attention to the inconvenient
and improper situations in which dust-bins are placed, often within the
house; and when it is considered what refuse is frequently thrown
into them, refuse consisting of animal and vegetable matter, which,
in the course of decay, sends forth a noxious and offensive effluvia,
it will be patent that such an arrangement and practice is highly
detrimental to health and comfort. In some parts of the parish the
Continental system is adopted, that is, placing the dust in proper
receptacles, and every morning at an early hour these are deposited
on the pavement, when, the dust-cart passing by, the contents of
each are shot into it. It is a pity this salutary measure is not
universally adopted. It is to be recommended on the grounds of
cleanliness, saving of time and trouble.