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170. The following list shows some of the work done during the year by, or under the supervision of the Sanitary Department (items 1 - 4) and the building branch of the Public Works Department (items 4 - 10).
Nature of Work.
No. of Cases
1934. 1935. 1. Obstructions removed from open spaces... 458 1,565 2. Obstructions to light and ventilation removed 1,604 1,769 3. Rat holes stopped 1,119 2,451 4. Water closets installed in private buildings 1,415 2,121 5. Houses demolished (domestic) 72 151 6. Houses demolished (non-domestic) 33 11 7. Houses erected (domestic) 420 297 8. Houses erected (non-domestic) 99 55 9. Houses re-constructed (domestic) 196 176 10. Houses re-constructed (non-domestic)171. The City of Victoria for the area it occupies is over-housed and grossly over-populated. In certain districts a great deal of improvement has been brought about but in some 200 acres where there are approximately 1,000 persons to the acre sanitary conditions are bad.
172. The position as regards housing in Victoria has been explained in the introduction to this report. The situation is at the same time a sanitary problem, a social problem and an economic problem. Victoria is the centre of attraction for the stream of immigrants from China, most of whom are poor people who live from hand to mouth. Accommodation is limited but the people must find shelter somewhere. A cubicle rents for ten dollars per month, a bed in the passage costs three to four dollars, food costs at least six dollars and the average earnings of a coolie are about eighteen dollars.
173. There is no space to build further houses and demolition means an increase of concentration in those that remain.
174. One hopeful sign is that the people are being more and more attracted by Kowloon, Praya East and North Point where concentration is much less marked.
175. The following plans show a common type of Chinese tenement house approved by the Building Authority.
176. Provided the occupants keep the premises clean and the windows free from obstruction to the light and ventilation and avoid overcrowding the building is hygienic and well fitted for human occupation.