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141
There is, no doubt, that in spite of the desire of the department
to improve them, we have many houses in our midst in a
defective condition, but our efforts are seriously hampered by the
views held by the Magistrates who preside at the Court we
are obliged to apply to. In their opinion, dilapidations, except
in special instances where clanger to health is clearly evident,
cannot be dealt with under the Public Health Acts. I do not
therefore agree with this report when it states that these defects
"are readily capable of remedy under the powers given by the
provisions of the Public Health (London) Act."
2nd. "The existence of courts and alleys nan ow and badly
arranged and of houses which are old and worn out. Concerning
them the Vestry should seo the necessity of applying for
closing orders or taking other proceedings under the Housing of
the Working Classes Act."
For similar reasons, as mentioned in the previous paragraph,
our efforts to obtain closing orders have in the past met with
but little success, but a commencement has been made with other
proceedings, and an official representation has been made to the
County Council in connection with the Jerusalem Court area,
the subject being now under their consideration.
3rd. "The existence of a considerable number of houses in
the district occupied by members of more than one family.
Many of these are not of such a character as to need frequent
periodical inspection; others again are not so well circumstanced
as regards the condition in which they are kept, and these need
registration and regulations under the provisions of section 94
of the Public Health (London) Act." As I have already stated,
this work has been begun, and will be steadily continued.
4th. "The absence of a register containing a complete list of
the workshops in the districts and setting out the conditions of
these premises, the preparation of such a register should be
proceeded with forthwith."
This request has also been complied with. A register has
been established and inspection and measurement of the work,