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The owner of a certain block of these premises is continually
changing her agent, and just as the effect of one
agent's effort to get a better class of tenant are beginning to
bear fruit, she admits some undesirable persons who are soon
followed by others of a similar character, and thus drives out
the more respectable families. During the year one agent took
proceedings in the police court and obtained ejectment orders
against the majority of the tenants, and stripped and cleansed
the rooms throughout, only to find that he had the same to do
again a few months later.
The condition of other tenements is, by their scrupulous
cleanliness and neatness, a pleasure to see, reflecting the
greatest credit on the occupiers, many of whom are in very
poor circumstances, which fact makes it all the more creditable
to them.
Verminous Rooms.—This matter has continued to receive
the attention of the department during the year, 58 rooms
having been dealt with. As previously the necessary notices
were served upon the person responsible, whether occupier or
owner. Every assistance has been given to those who were
anxious to free their premises from vermin, and fumigants
have been supplied at cost price, or fumigation carried out by
the disinfector at the owners' expense after the walls had been
stripped, as required.
Intimations from the Medical Officer of Health, or from
Teachers of the Public Elementary Schools, were received in
respect of the verminous condition of 52 children from 44
houses. Inspections were made resulting generally in the
improved condition, as regards cleanliness, of the children's
clothing, and in the cleanly state of the rooms and bedding,
where these were found verminous or insanitary. In the
worst instances a large number of visits were necessary before
the desired improvements were obtained.
Common Lodging Houses.—The Keeper of the Common
Lodging House, 188, High Street, South Wimbledon, died on
7th February, 1913, and the premises were closed shortly
afterwards. I reported on the matter to you in my Monthly
Report, and it was resolved that the house be struck off the
Register; this was done.
Towards the close of the year I was approached by the
Owner's Agent with a view to his again letting the premises
for the same purpose as previously. I met him on the property
and pointed out that certain works would be required to be
done before I could report the house suitable. These works,
including the provision of new lavatory basins, alterations to
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