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7. Generally many of the old houses suffer from defects which are attributable to the Ordinance of that time. Passed in 1903 the measure was framed to meet existing conditions, both structurally and hygienically as they were then understood and practised. But, viewed in the light of modern practice and knowledge, many of its provisions are found to be lax and the following are the main resultant defects:-
Note:
(a) The open space is insufficient, especially with regard to earlier houses, i.e. those built on land purchased prior to 1903.
(b) Latrine accommodation is insufficient.
(c) Staircases are too narrow and steep, and often unlighted.
(d) Means of escape in case of fire insufficient.
(b) In the case of new buildings where owners are able to provide by means of a well or otherwise an adequate water supply, flush sanitation is now usually provided on each floor. This is one of the most important steps forward in sanitation that has been achieved.
(c) and (d) have been provided for by recent amendments of the Public Health and Buildings Ordinance, which call for any new staircases in tenement houses to be of fire-proof construction, with alternative means of egress from all floors more than twenty-three feet above the footpath. The remarks above apply more particularly to the housing of the wage-earning Asiatics. The housing for the wealthier classes is provided for by modern flats three or four storeys high, and in the suburban areas by detached or semi-detached houses usually two storeys high which may be occupied separately or as flats.
8. The Buildings Ordinance No. 18 of 1935 was passed during the year and came into operation on the 1st January, 1936. The ordinance provides for improvement in the conditions of light and ventilation of those old properties which under the existing Ordinance are not called upon to conform to modern requirements in this respect. A higher standard generally is being called for and building owners are themselves slowly realising the advantages to be gained from modern constructional methods allied to proper hygienic principles.
On May 10th, 1935, a Commission was appointed to enquire into the housing difficulties in Victoria and Kowloon, with special reference to overcrowding and its effect on tuberculosis, and suggest steps which should be taken to remedy existing conditions.
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7. Generally many of the old houses suffer from defects which are attributable to the Ordinance of that time. Passed
in 1903 the measure was framed to meet existing conditions, both structurally and hygienically as they were then understood and practised. But, viewed in the light of modern practice and knowledge, many of its provisions are found to be lax and the following are the main resultant defects:-
Note:
(a) The open space is insufficient, especially with regard to earlier houses, i.e. those built on land purchased prior to 1903.
(b) Latrine accommodation is insufficient.
(c) Staircases are too narrow and steep, and often
unlighted.
(d) Means of escape in case of fire insufficient.
(b) In the case of new buildings where owners are able to provide by means of a well or otherwise an adequate water supply, flush sanitation is now usually provided on each floor. This is one of the most important steps forward in sanitation that has been achieved.
(c) and (d) have been provided for by recent amendments of the Public Health and Buildings Ordinance, which call for any new staircases in tenement houses to be of fire-proof construction, with alternative means of egress from all floors more than twenty-three feet above the footpath. The remarks above apply more particularly to the housing of the wage-earning Asiatics. The housing for the wealthier classes is provided for by modern flats three or four storeys high, and in the suburban areas by detached or semi-detached houses usually two storeys high which may be occupied separately or as flats.
8. The Buildings Ordinance No. 18 of 1935 was passed during the year and came into operation on the 1st January, 1936. The ordinance provides for improvement in the conditions of light and ventilation of those old properties which under the existing Ordinance are not called upon to conforın to modern requirements in this respect. A higher standard general- ly is being called for and building owners are themselves slowly realising the advantages to be gained from modern constructional methods allied to proper hygienic principles.
On May 10th, 1935, a Commission was appointed to enquire into the housing difficulties in Victoria and Kowloon, with special reference to overcrowding and its effect on tuberculosis, and suggest steps which should be taken to remedy existing condi- tions.
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