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previously on the register, the total number registered is 365.
The number of tenements in these houses are 922. The average
number of persons per tenement 3·76. 1,173 children under 10
years of age were amongst the occupants. Night inspections
were made to 41 houses, 11 cases of overcrowding and 18 of
indecent occupation were discovered chiefly amongst the alien
population. In respect of these offences 39 summonses were
issued, and wherever possible the landlord and lodger were both
proceeded against. Some escaped conviction on a technicality,
but in the main the proceedings were successful, and tines
amounting to £21 with costs £15 were imposed. Of this total of
£36 there was recovered £27 9s. The other defendants either
went to prison, in default of payment, or absconded. Four did
their time.
STAFF OF DEPARTMENT.
For the first time in the history of the Borough, the staffing of
the department has been brought fully up to the requirements.
Great improvements had been made during the past few years,
but it was only in the early part of the present year that the
staff of inspectors was fully completed. Until some additional
duties are thrown upon the authority the staff of inspectors is
sufficient, but it is probable that in the near future I shall be
compelled to ask for another junior clerk to keep pace with the
indoor work of the department. It is contrary to good working
as well as false economy to keep inspectors in the office longer
than is absolutely necessary. The present working arrangements
of the nine inspectors are as follows:—
The Borough is divided into five parts or districts each with
an inspector for ordinary sanitary duties.
One officer specially inspects the Food and Markets.
One acts as inspector of Workshops, Factories, Cow-sheds
and the like.
One supervises the drainage and fittings of new buildings
and combined drainage works.