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79
INSPECTORIAL STAFF.
Much good work has been done by the Inspectors during
the year, and the noticeable change in the condition of the
Inner Wards calls for comment. House-to-house inspections,
and a careful and constant supervision (more
especially of the courts and small cottage property in the
Inner Wards) are giving very satisfactory results. Further,
the work that is being carried out in connection with the
drainages of new and old buildings, is giving equal satisfactory
results, bye-laws and regulations being rigorously
enforced, and in the case of old buildings, old and defective
drainages gradually being replaced by new and improved.
The supervision by the Inspectors of the drainages of new,
as well as of old, buildings, increases considerably their
duties, but the results accomplished are most satisfactory,
whilst the difficulties hitherto experienced from dual control
are gone.
In connection with drain testings, the small (comparative)
percentage (15.8) of houses in which the test gives a result
is noteworthy. It must be remembered, however, that
the smell or chemical test (as applied) is not wholly satisfactory.
When a result is obtained, the drains may definitely
be stated to be defective; but when no result is obtained,
it would be misleading to assume that, therefore, the drains
are perfect.
The water test is the only trustworthy one, but it is
somewhat severe, more especially for old drainages, and on
that account, is not used indiscriminately except in the
case of the drains of new houses.
During 1893, 413 plans (representing 712 houses) have
been received and approved, and the work as shewn on
plan, carried out under the personal supervision of the