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15
other, has been effected by way of a road widening scheme. The
road to Richmond was, in this place, undoubtedly dangerous, and
needed widening ; but it is curious how greatly the obvious, though
from the actuarial point of view, inconsiderable, danger from traffic
in a narrow street affects the public mind, moving it to endorse
considerable expenditure; while little practical impression is made
by the steady deterioration of health and character that is going on
everywhere as a result of life in unhealthy areas.
We are of course, as I heard it lately put with unconscious
humour, all in favour of clearing unhealthy areas " without cost
to the rates or loss to owners of property."
But, when it is a question of road widening, the cost is cheerfully
borne by the community, though here, if anywhere, is a just
opportunity of effecting public improvement at the owner's expense;
inasmuch as he is usually the first person to reap financial benefit
from the undertaking !
During the year two houses in Benham's Place, High Street,
Mortlake, were closed, by order of the Council, under the Housing
and Town Planning Act. They have since been demolished.
The ancient buildings constituting Holman's Place, long disused,
have been demolished as the result of a representation made by me
under the old Housing of the Working Classes Acts. Thus a
commencement has been made with what will, I hope, lead
to the virtual destruction of Mortlake High Street as it now
stands.
If, as seems likely, there be a revival of interest in the question
of improving Barnes High Street, we may perhaps see the disappearance
of some of the old shops and cottages thereabouts which
have long since ceased to be picturesque, and are rapidly becoming
objectionable.