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59
These final tests with smoke and water, although not numerous,
take a considerable amount of time, particularly if a block of
several houses are under test at the same time; but it was felt
by the Committee that as these drains might have to come within
their purview under the Public Health Acts, they ought to be
represented at the final test.
I am pleased to report that this work has been carried out
without the least friction between the Surveyor's and Sanitary
Departments.
The inspection book is signed by me as having been present
at the test, otherwise, the Surveyor has sole control of the work.
General.
I am pleased to be able to report that Mr. Hill in August
of this year was successful in obtaining the position of Inspector of
Nuisances to the Hitchin District Council.
The Committee appointed Mr. Drake from Huddersfield to the
vacancy thus created, and he came to us with excellent testimonials
from both of his previous positions.
We were without an Assistant for just over two months, and the
unfortunate sudden illness of Mr. Stanbury, the Chief Assistant,
from " sewer gas poisoning" left the Department with myself
as sole Inspector for five weeks.
The summary of visits given below will give an idea of the
multifarious duties which are now thrown upon the Health and
Sanitary Departments of Urban Districts.
Some of us are old enough to remember when drains and
work in connection therewith were almost the Alpha and Omega of
the work of the Sanitary Staff but, very wisely, circumstances and
legislation now enable us to see that the house generally is