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CONCLUSION.
This report shews another year of steady progress in the
many branches of our duties with no spectacular items calling
for special mention.
In my last two reports I have referred to the difficulties
of landlords In maintaining their houses in a good state of
repair in the prevailing economic circumstances.
These conditions have unfortunately worsened with the
continued rise in the cost of building works, and the duty
of administering the law by compelling owners to carry out
necessary repairs is becoming more and more difficult.
We have done our utmost to ease the burden by only asking
for absolutely essential repairs and by allowing the longest
reasonable time for execution of works. This has involved a
good deal of negotiation with owners who have, on the whole,
responded well to our requests. Statutory action was not
resorted to- till persuasive methods completely failed. In
only two Instances was It necessary for the Council to carry
out works In default whilst in another two cases works of
repair were not executed until a Nuisance Order had been made
by the Magistrates.
If building costs continue to rise and the Rent Restrictions
Acts remain unchanged it seems obvious that the time will come
when the repairs section of the Housing Act will become
inoperable because it will often be impossible to make houses
fit for habitation at "reasonable cost".
I earnestly hope that such a situation will not be allowed
to develop because it would inevitably mean that many properties
with a potential life of some years would be allowed to deteriorate
so that they would soon qualify for demolition and be lost as
• housing units.
It is a great pity that the improvement grant scheme
introduced in the Housing Act, 1949, has proved so unattractive
to private property ownerq. Had the scheme proved successful
not only would it have prolonged the life of many "middle-aged"
houses but it would have made them more comfortable and
convenient for the occupiers.
I am, Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
H, J. ELDRIDGE,
Senior Sanitary Inspector.
I have to thank the Chief Officers of the Corporation for
their co-operation, also Mr Eldridge and the staff of my
Department for their help and assistance throughout the year.
NEVILLE H. LINZEE,
Medical Officer of Health.
36.