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HOUSING.
General.
The shortage of houses, of which details were given in
the previous year's report, was no less acute during 1920.
The cry has been raised more recently that the demand
for houses has been exaggerated. This cannot be truthfully
said in reference to Twickenham even although it may apply
elsewhere, and it is probable that in this, as in other instances,
the "wish is father is to the thought." The call for new
houses may not be so loud; people get accustomed, too
soon, to living in unsatisfactory surroundings, but the need
for more houses is as great as ever. It is by no means
certain, however, that the want will be met by supplying
houses to let at 20/- to 25/- per week. The majority of
those who most require better housing are entirely unable
to afford any such sum, and while such rents are necessary,
they will continue to live with three or four families packed
in a house only suitable for one or two and, in many
instances, only one room for each family.
It is not easy to see any way out of the difficulty until
building costs are materially diminished.
During the year 1920, the Council commenced the
erection of 68 houses as a first instalment of the scheme.
Of these, twenty-four were to be situated in Tower Road