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67
and satisfactory closet accommodation and drains, and (6)
should be provided with satisfactory arrangements for
cooking and washing.
These should be the minimum requirements, and it
must be confessed that a large number of the smaller
dwellings in the district fall short of this moderate standard
of efficiency.
Most of the defects found on housing inspection are
included under dampness, uncovered water supply cisterns,
and defective dustbins.
Section 28 of the Housing and Town Planning, etc.,
Act, 1919, provides that if the owner of any house suitable
for occupation by persons of the working classes fails to
make and keep such house in all respects reasonably fit for
human habitation, the Local Authority may serve a notice
on the owner requiring him to execute such works as may be
necessary to make the house in all respects reasonably fit
for human habitation. There is, however, a proviso that if
the house is not capable, without reconstruction, of being
rendered fit for human habitation, the owner may declare
his intention of closing the house for human habitation.
If the Local Authority do not agree, the difference is to be
determined by the Ministry of Health.
As a commencement, representation was made in July
in reference to a dwelling that was obviously unfit for
habitation. Notice was served on the owner, who stated
that he was unable to carry out the repairs, and he declared
his intention of closing the house. The Council having
differed as to the question of reconstruction, the matter was
referred to the Ministry and was not settled by the end of
the year. In another instance, voluntary closure was
accepted, the tenants ultimately left the cottage and, in
consequence, two dwellings were rendered vacant at a time
when cottages were unobtainable.