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Houses let in Considerable difficulty is experienced in dealing with this pro-
Nos.'ci2-76 Pert)'j which is undoubtedly the worst kept in the district. The
High Streei houses are of modern construction, with good drainage, are provided
Merton. .
with sanitary conveniences, including baths ; but owing to the apathy
of the owner and the class of some of the tenants, the drains and water-
closets are continually choked, the walls damp from the defective
roofs and guttering, and some of the rooms when inspected were
found in a most filthy condition.
The matter was reported to the Sanitary Committee by the
Sanitary Inspector in September last, with a view to the premises
being registered as houses let in lodgings or occupied by members of
more than one family. The bye-laws with respect to this class of
house authorise the Authority to require certain information from the
owner concerning the rooms and occupants, and gives authorised
officers powers of access at all times, regulates the number of persons
who may occupy such rooms, promotes the cleanliness and ventilation,
and requires the periodical limewashing and cleansing, paving
of yards, etc. Unfortunately when the return required from the
owner was sent in the rents paid in most instances was found to be
above the limit to which the bye-laws applied, viz., 7/- per week unfurnished,
or 9/6 per week furnished for each letting.
The procedure under these bye-laws for the remedying of insanitary
defects (penalties being imposed for the non-observance) would
have been much more simple than under the provisions of the Public
Health Act which necessitates the serving of a notice requiring the
abatement of the nuisance which has to be proved, and although
remedied may recur from time to time, calling for the repetition of the
service of a notice.
In order to keep this property in anything like sanitary condition,
constant inspections have had to be made by your officers.
Factory and The making of the register of all workshops in the district as
Workshops
Act 1901. quired hy section 131 of this Act, which was commenced last year and
Report to suspended on account of an outbreak of measles, has been completed.
Secretary of There are 237 workshops on the register :—
State.
Bakehouses 24
Boot Repairers 30
Cabinetmakers and Upholsterers 7
Cycle Makers 12