View report page

81
An important step was taken by the late Vestry on
September 27th, 1900, when it was decided to open a branch
office at Norwood in connection with the Public Health
Department. Inspector Barfoot, who has charge of Norwood
Ward, had to attend at the Sanitary Offices (333, Kennington
Road) every morning from 9 to 10 a.m., and afterwards
had to go on to his district, arriving there about 11 a.m.
By this arrangement much inconvenience, and trouble was
caused to the Norwood residents, especially builders, and
many complaints had been, from time to time, received in
connection with the difficulty of communicating with the
Norwood Inspector at the Kennington Office about the
removal of infectious cades to hospital, drainage of new and
old buildings, the carrying out of sanitary notices, etc.—the
Kennington Office being about an hour's journey from
Norwood. Much time was lost, both by the Inspector and by
those who had to see him on business. The late Vestry
was fortunate enough to secure an office centrally—the
first floor front room at 30, Knight's Hill Road, West
Norwood (opposite to the West Norwood Station) at an
inclusive rent of 10s. 6d. per week (including rates and all
outgoings and the weekly cleaning of the room). The
Inspector attends at this branch office every morning
(except Sunday) between 9 and 10 a.m., and is thus able
to start on his rounds at 10 a.m. sharp. This branch office
has proved of great use, and is already much appreciated
by the Norwood residents, more especially the builders,
who are able to consult the Inspector between 9 and 10
a.m. every morning about plans, drainage, etc. Norwood
Ward covers a large area, and consequently, a branch office
in the Ward is of great importance for efficient administration
of the sanitary work there.
F