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54
WOMEN'S COMMON LODGING HOUSES.
I have received the following report from Miss G. Brings:—
During the year under review, two of these houses have been closed :—
(a) 12, Lombard Street (closed voluntarily).
(b) 7-8, Dorrit Street (closed following Demolition Order).
The closing of these two houses has caused no overcrowding or
inconvenience, as a large number of beds are vacant every night at the
remainder, with the exception of Cecil House.
At the present time, there are 5 Women's Common Lodging Houses
in the Borough, containing 336 beds; 4 of them were originally dwelling
houses, and the remaining 1 (Cecil House) is a modern building, especially
constructed for the purpose.
At the time of their conversion, it is to be regretted that the former
were not equipped with up-to-date fittings such as baths, metal lockers,
or other suitable provision for clothing and the belongings of the lodgers
which are so much in evidence at Cecil House. This house is provided with
ample facilities for bathing, also for washing and drying clothes. For
this reason it has its full complement of lodgers every night (50 women
or 49 women and 2 babies). When babies are admitted, cots are provided
and a bed is taken down.
Visitors are welcomed, and the house is open for inspection two hours
each week.
Deputies.
A deputy keeper is in charge at most of the houses, who is responsible
to the keeper for the cleanliness and smooth-running of the house, and she
must be capable of controlling the lodgers should any prove troublesome.
Periodical visits to these houses cause one to feel strongly the
necessity of having suitable persons for this work. It is essential that
she must constantly attend to her duties or the condition of the beds,
floors and utensils will quickly deteriorate if she is in any way neglectful.
On one or two occasions this neglect has been apparent; more especially
has this been the case when a deputy keeper has been leaving.
During the year, several changes have taken place and in one case
there is at present a temporary deputy.
Night visits are paid periodically between 11 p.m. and 1.30 a.m.
At each house visited there were some lodgers in bed and some in the
kitchen, but there was orderliness and quietness throughout.