OVERCROWDED HOME

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 221, 14 June 1930, Page 9

OVERCROWDED HOME

Thirteen in Three Rooms SANITARY DEFICIENCIES A sad case of overcrowding was reported to the Makara County Council resterday, when 'it was stated that n a house of three small rooms iwelt ten children and three adults. The Medical Officer of Health (Dr. W. F. Findlay) wrote stating that complaint had been received concerning the overcrowding of a house at Ngahauraiga. “The complainant states,” wrote the health officer, “that in a house containing three small rooms and a small kitchen reside the following— Ten children, ranging from 18 months to 18 years in age, and three adults. Complainant further states that there is no water laid on and no sanitary conveniences.”

Sanitary Inspector’s Report. The sanitary inspector (Mr. J. Lerwill) reported as follows on the subject;— “I have inspected the premises, and the statements referred to in the complaint are substantially correct, and the general conditions of the home are not satisfactory. One of the women informed me that she was anxious to obtain another house, and had tried to obtain one in Johnsonville, but the number of children in the family appeared a drawback. The water supply is from a tank some 50 feet distant; there are no sanitary conveniences, but this defect appears general in the premises of this locality. I propose to endeavour to Obtain some more suitable premises for one of the women and her family. The sanitary conveniences I do not think essential, in view of the dilapidated condition of the buildings and their probable demolition in the near future. In view of the existing conditions in Wellington and the winter season, I am reluctant to demand more than is absolutely necessary. The existing premises provide shelter and warmth, and until I am sure of improvement I propose to keep the conditions under observation. Towards the end of the year the matter will again be brought forward.” Councillor J. Purchase said that similar conditions prevailed throughout the Dominion at the present time. People were in such a position that they could not pay high rents, and would get in anywhere. The matter -was, left in the hands of the sanitary inspector.