View report page

85
1 to 17, WATSON'S PLACE.— It was stated in the
annual report of 1882, that in consequence of the owner's neglect
it had been necessary to enter these premises under the powers
of the "Metropolis Local Management Acts" and re-construct
the drains, re-build the water closets, build dust bins, and pave
the yards and areas, (these works were executed by the Vestry's
contractor under my direction in a substantial manner.)
Summonses were taken out at that time against the owner,
and a Magistrate's order obtained under which the interior of the
houses were cleansed and repaired, but not substantially—
subsequently most of the houses were let in tenements, many
of them to separate tenants for each room, none of whom could
be held responsible for general conditions. It was no particular
person's business to clean the passages, stairs, yards, or water
closets, therefore they were not cleaned. It was no one's special
obligation to require the dust to be removed, it was therefore
permitted to accumulate until official inspection secured its
removal—and it was no one's special duty or interest to prevent
destruction—therefore water taps were broken off—doors of dust
bins wrenched off—rain pipes torn down—roofs of back additions
destroyed—the internal fittings, doors, sashes, stairs, &c., were
also being destroyed, when it became necessary to serve notices
requiring the houses to be closed as unfit for habitation. This
was done.
The property has since passed into other hands and is now
being repaired, but the entire fabric of the houses—built of
the worst materials and in the worst style of workmanship precludes
the hope of any permanent improvement being effected.
No Police Court Summonses have been taken out during
the past year.
An abstract from Register of Assistant Inspector's work is
submitted, dealing with Contagious Diseases, Unwholesome
Food, Obstructions, Removal of Dust, &c.
H. ALEXANDER,
Chief Sanitary Inspector.