View report page

239 [1899
Local Acts of Parliament.—In addition to the preceding
public Acts of Parliament, 87 Acts, dealing with many public health
matters, such as prevention of disease, parks, open spaces, housing,
street improvements, water, etc., were obtained by Local Authorities
throughout the country.
The titles of many of them would not at first sight lead one to
suspect that they contained sections dealing with other matters
than those to which they made special reference. Thus the title of
an Act might be "― Corporation (Gas and Water)" or "―
Corporation (Finance)" or "― Corporation (Tramways)"; yet
these Acts might contain matters deeply concerning the public
health. This is explained by the fact that when any of the
provincial corporations proceed to Parliament to obtain powers
with respect to some special undertaking such as tramways, gas, or
electric lighting, they at the same time avail themselves of the
opportunity to obtain special powers as regards the prevention of
infectious diseases and cognate health matters. In this way wellmanaged
boroughs keep their health legislation fairly abreast of
the requirements of the period, and considerably ahead of the
Metropolis.
THE WORK OF THE CLERICAL STAFF.
Not the least worthy of comment is the manner in which the
clerical work of the Public Health Department was conducted
during the year. Year by year it has grown larger and larger,
until as at present, it requires all the energy of its undoubtedly
efficient staff to complete each day's work within its working hours.
The clerks are punctual in their attendances at 9 a.m., and at once
commence their work, so that that portion of it which is intended
for the sanitary inspectors may be completely ready for them before
they leave their office at or before 10.30 a.m. It has always been
my anxiety that there shall be no work in the office after the hour
fixed by the Vestry for its closing, 5 p.m., and I am glad to think
that it is, indeed, a rare event for any of the staff to be compelled
to work overtime.