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ascribed to petty spite or political rancour. So far as the general
attitude of the Press on the matter is concerned, all one can say is
that such a subject as "Camberwell's Death Spot," &c., gave an
opportunity for sensational writing which was certainly not lost.
The litter caused by the emptying of the dust carts is swept up
each day, and any delay in a similar treatment of the manure, the
removal of which is under control of the railway company, is at
once brought to the notice of those responsible.
Since the receipt of the last letter from the Board nothing
more has transpired, and we are still waiting for the London County
Council to exercise their statutory powers if they consider there is
any justification for so doing.
With the outbreak of war came a change in the constitution of
the Public Health Department. The only two of the sanitary
inspectors who were eligible enlisted, and although Mr. Nash was
afterwards thrown out on medical grounds, Mr. Jones continued in
the service, gaining the rank of Lance Corporal. Two of the
permanent clerks (D. J. Fenner and F. T. Harman) and one temporary
clerk also enlisted. The second was eventually rejected on medical
grounds, but was accepted by the Army Ordinance Corps. Mr.
Wright, who has long been attached to King Edward's Horse, has
gained the rank of Sergeant.
The disinfectors have also taken their share in enlistment,
Messrs. Sawyer, Franklin, Connor, and Watkins, together with the
motor driver, have all joined the Army.
The depletion of the staff rendered temporary help necessary,
and Mr. C. T. Wilson was accordingly engaged, and he was still
engaged at the end of the year. To get reliable temporary help has
not always been possible, and in order to maintain an efficient
working, alterations have been made. House-to-house visitation has
been almost entirely dropped, first on account of the depletion of
the staff; secondly, on account of the difficulty and delay arising
through scarcity of labour; and, thirdly, to ease down all calls on
the poorer house owner, and to visit only where there has been
outbreaks of an infectious disease, or when a complaint has been
lodged of insanitary conditions.
With the absence of Mr. Fenner, all the tabulated records of
inspections and the keeping of plans, both of which we have found
to be extremely useful, have had to be temporarily abandoned.
All the other routine inspections, slaughter houses, milk shops,
&c., have gone on as usual, the figures, however, in nearly all
instances showing a diminution from last year. This is especially
noticeable in the drainage work and the supervision of new buildings.
In conclusion I have to express my obligation to all the staff in
the department who have so willingly responded to the extra
demands made upon them through the war.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
FRANCIS STEVENS.