View report page

vii
those who issue these notices or the necessity for certifying dangerous
structures, yet it would appear that piecemeal demolition is in the case
of working-class dwellings frequently resorted to rather than methods
of drastic repair and shoring up to render such structures secure. As
a result some tenants suffer great hardships, for unless they can obtain
other rooms almost immediately their homes are pulled down about
their ears. Although they may be protected under the Rent Acts, these
tenants are placed in an impossible position, as under the London Building
Act a building certified as dangerous must be made secure or demolished.
Staff.—There were no changes in the permanent staff. Mr. Sanderson,
the Senior Sanitary Inspector, was allocated certain duties of a
supervisory nature in order to assist the Medical Officer of Health,
and his salary was accordingly increased. The work of the department
continues to increase mainly by reason of the measures for the improvement
of the public health passed by the Legislature in recent years. Mr. Da vies,
one of the three temporary sanitary inspectors engaged after the flood,
was retained throughout the year. Every member of the staff deserved
praise for the work in connection with the flood, but it may not be
inappropriate to mention the individual efforts of Mr. Sanderson and
Mr. Manhood in the preparation of the evidence for the Millbank Improvement
Scheme. To the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and members of the
Public Health Committee, and to the staff of the department, I would
offer my sincere appreciation and grateful thanks for their constant
support and assistance.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient Servant,
June, 1929.
Andrew J. Shunnie.