View report page

158
and also for the cause you have stated—that they like to keep
together?—Yes.
17,830. Therefore, when it is stated to this Commission that
there were still existing side by side with many miserable dwellings,
lodgings unlet, does that surprise you ?—No.
17,831. Is not that natural?—Quite.
17,832. Is it not inevitable?—Quite so.
17,833. The Trade of Clerkenwell, which was once vigorous
and brisk in jewellery and watch making, has declined, has it
not ?—Yes.
17,834. Has it much declined?—Very materially.
17,835. What has been the direct consequence of that upon
wages and upon the amount, of people employed?—It has depreciated
the wages very materially as well as the number of
people employed; some trades and employments have already
ceased and gone.
17,836. Is the vestry accountable for that?—No.
17.837. Would it be fair to blame the vestry by insinuation
for that ?—No.
17,838. Is it true that the vestry are responsible?—Certainly
not.
17,839. Could they have prevented it?—They could not possibly
have done so.
17,840. Does it not amount to this, that overcrowding in a
poor district is the result of poverty and depression?—Undoubtedly.
17,841. And consequently, as was stated to this Commission
by one of our best witnesses, Miss Octavia Hill, that you can do
nothing effectually except gradually?—No.
11,842. And consequently if any means can be found by
which the vestry can be induced to adopt gradual pressure for
repairs and cleanliness, that is not only their duty, but their first
and best duty?—Yes.
17,843. Is it possible for the vestry or any other corporate
body to infuse into people suddenly habits of cleanliness?—It is
absolutely impossible.
17,844. Or an appreciation of the value of cleanliness?—
No.
17,845. Is not overcrowding essentially an evil because it
conduces to the contrary, that is to say, to dirt and disease?—
Yes.
17,846. Is the vestry responsible for that?—No.
17.847. When you expressed your opinion sometime ago to
this Commission, in answer, I think, to a question from Mr.
Broadhurst, that you did not see that people ought to be ex-