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167
It is stated there are in the Parish 4,700 houses to which the regulations
might be made to apply, of which 3,058 are houses in which
the landlords are resident and liable for repairs, rates and taxes, as to
these some discretion would bo required in placing them under the
regulations, but as to the remaining 1,642 houses and cottages in which
the landlords are non-resident I am of opinion it is most desirable
they should be placed under the regulations; as many of the houses
are dirty and dilapidated, e.g., among others the houses in Rosoman
Street, Warner Street, Great Bath Street, Little Bath Street, Bath
Place, St John's Square, and Little Sutton Street.
There is no doubt the condition of the houses is to some extent due
to the dirty and destructive habits of the occupants, but, if placed under
the Regulations, it would be to the interest of the landlords to insist
on the tenants adopting better habits, or to replace them by others.
The adoption of the Regulations would also enable the Vestry to fix
the number of occupants in each house.
4th. As regards the neglect by the Vestry to exercise the powers
under the Artizans' and Labourers' Dwellings Act of 1868.
These powers have to some extent been put in force, but I am of
opinion it is desirable further action should be taken amongst others to
the houses in Little Bath Street, Great Bath Street, Little Sutton
Street, Taylor's Row, Paved Place, Victoria Place, Mount Sion, Prime's
Buildings, Wellington Place, York Buildings, and York Valley.
5th. As regards the provision of galvanized iron pails with covers,
for the storage of dust.
I am of opinion such a provision is most desirable for all houses
where the yards can only be entered through the living rooms, or
where a common dust-bin cannot be provided by the Vestry.
6th. As regards the necessity for the better supervision by, and an
increase in, the number of Sanitary Officers.
There has, no doubt, been some neglect in the past, but the present
Inspectors appear to be energetic men, well acquainted with their
duties, and I am of opinion that two should be sufficient to exercise a
proper supervision.
With reference to the reasons advanced by the Vestry to explain
their having taken no steps to secure a constant water supply, viz.:—
that no complaints have been made, and generally as to the Sanitary
requirements, I beg to submit that as the Vestry, through their Inspectors,
are acquainted with the actual condition of the houses in the
Parish, and the sanitary requirements, it seems to be their duty to
take the initiative without waiting for complaints.
Complaints can hardly be expected either from the owners of unsanitary
houses on whom the cost of improvements will fall; or from
tenants who are too often indifferent to considerations of health or
cleanliness, and in any case would fear to offend their landlords by
complaining.