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109
THE SANITARY INSPECTING STAFF.
In view of a contemplated re-arrangement of the sanitary
districts, I thought it desirable to place before your Vestry,
in the eleventh report (October 8th), an account of the
districts, and of the circumstances which led to the appointment
of additional inspectors subsequent to the passing of
the Public Health (London) Act, and the Factory and
Workshop Act, in 1891. The report was to the following
effect:—
"In 1891. when I reported on the provisions of the Public Health
(London) Act, in my tenth report (October 12th, pages 114-133 inclusive)
your Vestry's staff comprised four inspectors, a number which
had been settled in the year 1877. I was of opinion and reported that
the new duties imposed by the Acts referred to could not be executed
effectively with so limited a staff; which, as I stated, was inadequate
for current duties under then existing laws—for the new Acts were not
yet in operation. Your Vestry having requested me to bring up an
'estimate of the probable cost of carrying out the provisions of the
Public Health Act in this parish, 'I reported on this subject in my
twelfth report (December 15th, p. 152), wherein I recommended the
appointment of four additional sanitary inspectors. This report was
referred to the Sanitary Committee for consideration, and the Committee.
having regard to the importance of the subject, appointed a
Sub-Committee of fifteen—five from each of the three then existing
wards—to consider, inter alia, my recommendation 'as to the addition
required to be made to the sanitary staff to carry out the duties
devolving upon the Vestry,' etc. The Sub-Committee reported, March
1st, 1892, recommending the appointment of four additional sanitary
inspectors. The Sub-Committee's report was considered by the Sanitary
Committee on the 8th March, the Committee, moreover, having before
them a Memorandum (dated 5th March) embodying a 'Scheme,"
which I had prepared, at the request of the Sub-Committee, ' for carrying
out the work of the department with the proposed increased staff
of sanitary inspectors.' My advice to the Committee was ' to place two
inspectors, in addition to Mr. Abbott, in the south district' (i.e., south
of Kensington-road) ;. four inspectors in the north district' (i.e., north
of Uxbridge-road), and ' one inspector, as at present, in the central
district' (i.e., between Kensington-road and Uxbridge road). I further
recommended the appointment of Mr. Abbott as Chief Inspector ' to
exercise a general superintendence over the (out door) work of the
other inspectors.' The Sanitary Committee reported to your Vestry
that they were 'unable to concur in the opinion of the Medical Officer
of Health' (and of the Sub-Committee) ' that the new duties imposed
upon the Vestry required an immediate doubling of the staff of