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Much work was done at that time to improve the condition
of the dwellings generally. The cisterns referred to were
removed—and water supplied from large cisterns placed on the
roofs. On re-visiting the premises, it was found the cisterns
placed on the roofs were much neglected and very dirty.
Notices were therefore served requiring, amongst other things,
that the tenants should have the advantages of a constant supply
of water direct from the main without storage in cisterns. This
has been done—and it should be stated as illustrating the
dangers inseparable from cisternage, that in the course of the
works, the workmen found in one cistern the body of a cat in a
very advanced state of decomposition.
The yards were originally paved very badly with tar paving
which in the course of years had become quite unfit for any
useful purpose. On my recommendation the owners have relevelled
the whole of the yards, and paved them in a superior
manner with asphalte. These again form excellent playgrounds
for a large number of children.
HOUSES UNFIT FOR HABITATION.—Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5,
Jane Shore Court—South Side—Shoreditch. These houses
have frequently been brought under the notice of the Sanitary
Committee, and much money, and effort expended by the owner
to keep them fit for habitation, but their defective construction
and the evil reputation of the place have effectually shut out a
careful class of tenants; thus about three years ago after having
been closed for six months, during which time they were cleansed
and repaired, it was found they could only be let to a class of
persons who destroyed and abused what was intended for their
advantage.
The Metropolitan Board of Works having refused to deal
with this court under the Artizan's Dwelling Improvement Acts.
Notice was served on the owner to close the houses, they being
in a state unfit for habitation. This was done, and the premises
continue closed.