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68
The condition of the dwellings cannot be justly regarded apart
from the daily wants of the people; and people's wants are clearest
estimated by their difficulties and retardments. In these times it
is not allowable to say that others must do what we do; every
person has an inherent possession in his own life qualities, rendering
it incumbent upon him to obtain his own advancement,—and
progress depends on every one putting their shoulder to the wheel.
Therefore the workman has to find a seasonable house to dwell in,
and the Sanitary Authorities cannot close their eyes to the fact that
railways, telegraph, cheaper postage, and foreign competition, &c.,
have made, and are yearly making, an immense difference to the
industrial classes; and the increasing employment of machinery
docs tend, or at least should tend, to awaken in their minds more
and more the conviction that they will have to unfold and apply
their faculties; thus, by seeing the working of the elementary
powers, learn to know themselves. More particularly during the
last twenty years, the Sanitary Authority of Shoreditch has
witnessed an immense extension in the industrial operations
throughout their Parish, and they now stand face to face with the
question, What course would be best to take to further promote
the abilities of the labouring class? More light, less smoke, and
dwellings more conducive for "home" are urgently required. By
"home " is understood, rest; and for rest there must be the conditions
of stability, cleanliness, and sweetness.
WATER SUPPLY.
The "Constant Service" continues to work well, and the year
shows more clearly its advantages over the old intermittent
supply. Water-butts have, for the most part, been disused;
and cisterns, so far as water for drinking purposes is concerned,
are being disused.