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ciruulation, and causes the materials of the house to decompose
and poison; nor can it circulate through and cleanse the ground on
which the house stands, if it be very damp. Therefore, as Inspoctor
Alexander's report shews, great attention has boon bestowed in
bringing about improvements to remove dampness and in that and
other ways secure the required circulation to remove or destroy the
poisonous accumulations.
Thus the walls of 608 dwellings have boon cleansed and
repaired, and to secure dryness and ventilation in the ground, the
yards of 522 dwellings have been paved with impervious material.
To remove poisonous refuse, the drains of 500 premises have been
repaired, re-laid or otherwise altered; and to prevent the dwellings
being impregnated with sower gas 435 stack pipes, situated near to
windows of dwellings, were disconnected from the drains; 301
waste pipes of sinks were disconnected from the drains, and 732
closets supplied with water. And the report refers to a large
number of other detailed improvements all tending to carry away
decomposing noxious matters, and promote more freshness and
renewing conditions.
There are a large number of dwellings in Shoreditch that must
be thus every year inspected and improved, but it is noticeable that
the cleansing, repairs, paving, and other works have boon better,
that is more durably done, consequently some of the old
dangerous habitations have boon loss frequently of late under the
notice of the Sanitary Authority. And there is an increasing
disposition on the part of the owners to co-operate with the
Sanitary Authority in removing conditions dangerous to health.
The real interest of owners of property and of the Sanitary Authority
are identical. Both require the dwellings to bo constructed in a
useful and enduring manner, so that there may be the greatest
return for the outlay, and the greatest protection and help to the
inhabitants. Both interests require sound material and reliable
skilled workmanship, and the owners already perceive that the
Sanitary Officer seeks to secure both; and that it is not the purpose
of the Sanitary Authority to exercise a harassing inefficient overlooking,
but to aid economy by securing work hotter done, and
more serviceable materials used, and adapted for the needs of the
inhabitants,