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unfortunate, and this opinion was at one time shared by my colleagues.
At the same time no serious opposition could be made, on
account of the condition of things in the old sanitary department of
the Town Hall in the way of light, ventilation and heating being
prejudicial to the health of those who were working there. After
various structural alterations had been carried out, the department
was transferred to Brunswick Square in September, 1921, and up to
the time of writing neither anything nor anyone has suffered in consequence.
CONCLUSION.
This report is, I am sorry to say, very belated, but illness,
labour difficulties among the printers, and press of other Council
work, coupled with the disadvantage of writing it far removed from
sources of information, must be at once my explanation and my
apology.
To Dr. Bousfield I have already referred, but this report would
not be complete were I to omit a tribute to Mr. Cbadderton, the
former Chief Clerk, who retired in 1921.
In the difficult days of the war, when we were relying a good
deal on temporary help and I was sometimes busy on other duties,
so long as he was in his accustomed place I never felt the slightest
anxiety about the work of this department.
Dr. Barnes has been of great assistance to me, both by his
work and his opinions. I rejoice to think that the Council
appointed him my successor, for I feel sure that the administration
of the most important department of the Council is now in
able hands.
To Mr. Wright and his juniors, to whom I am indebted for much
help in the statistical part of this report, work ably seconded by
Mr. Jones in that which relates to the inspectors, I tender my
grateful appreciation. The closer association with the work of the
latter in great measure passed to Dr. Barnes, but when I had need
the help was given with the same readiness and intelligence as of
old.
In commending the Superintendent Disinfector for the way he has
assisted me and the zeal displayed in his work, I have to place on
record the fact that during the whole of my service with the Vestry
and Council I have never received any complaint of the conduct of
any of his staff when engaged in work which must bring temptation
in its way.
In conclusion, with all my heart I thank the Council, the Chief
Officers and the whole Staff, ever changing in membership but
unchanging in the kindness and consideration they have shown me,
and wish them, one and all, God speed in their work.
Good-bye.
Your obedient servant,
FRANCIS STEVENS.
February, 1923.