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(2.) Unicorn Tavern, Hoxton Street.—The Chief Inspector (Mr. Alexander)
reported to me in October that he had inspected this house and found the residential
part in an extremely dilapidated condition, and dangerous from both a sanitary and
structural point of view. The yard was paved with fragments of stones which were
imbedded in wet filth. The house was subsequently visited by the General Purposes
and Sanitary Committee and myself, and the rain was seen pouring in through the roof
and on to the staircases. I learned that most of the previous and present inmates had
seriously suffered in health in consequence of the conditions present. Immediate action
was taken by the Vestry, and the whole house was closed. Leave was subsequently
given to carry on business in the bar, which is built out in front, as it was not possible
to proceed with the rebuilding of the house until the plans are laid before the
Licensing Sessions.
(3.) Ivy Street, Nos. 2, 4, 6, and 8.— On the 3rd December I represented
to the Vestry that these houses were in such a state as to be injurious to health, and
recommended that they should be dealt with under Sec. 32, Clause 1, Schedule 3.
Accompanying my report was a detailed list of defects, prepared by Mr. Alexander.
This action was taken with a view to enforce the carrying out of works, which were
absolutely necessary, no notice having been paid to the ordinary notices. The Vestry
gave the necessary order, and on notices being served, work has been begun, but I
cannot say that it has the appearance of being ultimately satisfactory.
(4.) Basing House Yard contained five houses in an insanitary condition
and a large yard in front was badly paved and drained. The place was viewed by the
General Purposes and Sanitary Committee, and an order was made to deal with it under
this Act; the arrangements to remedy the defects are progressing satisfactorily.
Plumber s Place and Moira Place Areas.—The Committee under this Act
resumed the consideration of this Scheme, which had been interrupted by Dr. Sutton's
death, and are making steady progress in the preparation of plans for the re-arrangement
of the sites.
Goldsmith'S Square.—On the 14th July, the County Council determined that
this area be purchased, one-third under the Housing Act, and two-thirds under the
Open Spaces Act. The ground is in process of being cleared.
Wood Stacks.—In the neighbourhood of the Regent's Canal and elsewhere in
the parish, wood for building and other purposes is stacked, often to a considerable
height. My attention was called to certain of these, on account of the way in which
they obstructed light and air to adjoining dwellings, between which and the stacks only
a few feet of clear space remained. It was found, however, that legal difficulties
prevented action being taken; the advice of the County Council was then asked, but
that body was unable to offer any, but as it appeared desirable to have power to regulate
the position, size, &c., of these huge erections, the Council propose going to Parliament
for the purpose of obtaining it.