View report page

56
once and in one case twice previously convicted, and in the margarine cases the
defendants had in one instance been once and in another instance twice previously
convicted. None of the fines inflicted during the year were heavy, although doubtless,
in proportion to the business carried on they may in some instances have been seriously
felt by the defendants.
SANITARY STAFF.
The re-arrangement of the sanitary districts in the Borough referred to in my
report for last year has worked satisfactorily. I have again to express my satisfaction
as to the manner in which the officers of the Health Department have discharged
their duties during the year and also my appreciation of their assistance in connection
with my work. During the year the department lost the valuable services of
Mr. A. Hayes, chief clerk and a reliable and experienced officer. He left to take up
an appointment as Sanitary Inspector under the Hammersmith Borough Council.
He was succeeded by Mr. G. H. Pratt, next in seniority, and Mr. E. J. Hayes was
transferred from the Town Clerk's department to fill the vacancy.
With regard to the clerical work, some 13,639 communications written and
printed, were sent out from the Health Department during the year. These included
3,705 notices and summonses, 2,269 letters and cards, mainly on matters under
the Public Health and Sale of Food and Diugs Acts, 728 as to work under the Factory
and Workshops Acts, 6,247 communications of various kinds in respect to infectious
disease and disinfection and 690 copies of agendas and reports relating to the work
of the department.
With great regret I have to record the death of Mr. J. W. Lear, a reliable and
experienced sanitary officer, who passed away on November 7th after a short illness.
He was appointed Assistant Sanitary Inspector in 1884 and subsequently Sanitary
Inspector, and for upwards of twenty-six years discharged his duties as such in an
able and efficient manner.
In conclusion I beg to express my appreciation of the kind consideration and
assistance which have been extended to me by the Chairman and Members of the
Health Committee in connection with the work of the Department during the year.
I have the honour to be,
Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
LEWIS T. FRASER BRYETT,
Medical Officer oj Health.