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105
if it could be shown that the proposed change would lead to a better
and more complete sanitary supervision of the Borough, it would be
a strong argument in its favour; yet not only has this not been
shown, but, on the contrary, a great deal of evidence could be
advanced to show that the proposals would be highly prejudicial to
the sanitary supervision of the Borough.
(1). I believe that the periodical exchange of the Inspectors
to other districts would lead to a great confusion in keeping the
records of sanitary wcrk. At present the details of Sanitary
Inspection, &c., of each district are recorded in the books kept by
each district Inspector. It is comparatively easy to ascertain at
present the sanitary works done at any particular house, and the
officer supervising them, especially if the search is supplemented
by the officer's local knowledge; on the other hand, if the
Inspectors change their districts, either new diaries will have to be
taken by the Inspectors at the change, or we will have the sanitary
details of two or more districts recorded in the same Inspector's
books. This, in the course of a few years, would render it
increasingly difficult to find the records relating to sanitary work
done in connection with any particular premises.
(2). If the change is arranged to take place at the beginning
of the year, we should have the difficulty of Inspectors making
inspections and serving notices for sanitary works during the last
few weeks of any year for other Inspectors at a later date to
supervise; or if as an alternative each Inspector has to supervise
the execution of work required on any notice served by him, we
should have the unusual and confusing spectacle of every one of
the Inspectors working in two districts. It is hardly necessary to
add that such a condition of things would be extremely wasteful of
the time and energies of the Inspectors.
(3) There is another result which I am afraid would follow
from the interchange of sanitary districts, and that is, a prejudicial
effect upon the Inspectors themselves. The permanent appointment
of the Inspectors has hitherto appeared to inspire them with
a spirit of enthusiasm and healthy competition to acquaint themselves