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kind of work one is compelled to admit that these figures are a
little astonishing, and call for inquiry. I think one might state
from an experience covering many years, that there is a large
number of people—a class whose numbers are daily increasing—who
take a practical and intelligent interest in the sanitary
condition of the house in which they live, and the application of
hygienic principles to their every-day life, but on the other
hand a number of people exist who have little regard for the
sanitary condition of their home, the health of themselves,
children, or neighbours. Some discussion has taken place, and
suggestions have been made as to how frequently house to
house inspections should be made; it has been stated by some
authorities that once in every five years is sufficient, but one cannot
lay down a hard and fast rule, for it altogether depends upon
the character of the people and the houses they live in. If houses
are scampingly built, with small rooms and little convenience,
rents may be low, but the occupants are of the poorest and
usually those who have the largest families. The more persons
occupying a house the greater is the strain upon its durability,
and as property owning is an investment, owners do not
voluntarily spend more money than can be helped on repairs or
cleansing, seldom troubling to do work of a sanitary character
until a Notice has been served. Another aspect to consider is
that the very poorest people are the last to complain, and it
often happens when an inspection is made the occupiers will
plead with the Inspector to make it quite clear to the landlord
that they are not responsible for his visit, especially is this the
case when there is a little rent due.
To definitely lay down a rule that this class of property shall
be inspected every five years is totally inadequate. While there
are properties in the Borough to inspect even as frequently
as this would be waste of valuable time, for it must appeal to
those who are acquainted with the different estates of this
Borough that the occupants of villas of Wanstead Park and
Woodgrange, who are in most cases business men and owners,
do not require a Sanitary Inspector knocking at their door
every five years. My experience of the occupiers of