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6
Observations of the Sanitary Committee of
the Lambeth Vestry.
In times of epidemic and alarm the vestry has
always responded to any appeal for temporary help.
The vestry acted in this way in August, 1892.
Dr. Hamer says : "In August, 1892, when cases
of cholera occurred in this country, the Lambeth
Vestry appointed six temporary inspectors for a
period of three months." Dr. Hamer does not add
that the vestry again appointed help in September,
1893. Two additional inspectors were then
appointed, one of whom remained in the service of
the vestry, and is now on the permanent staff.
These are the details upon which the Committee
bases its general statements. How incorrect is the
impression of Lambeth administration conveyed
by Dr. Hamer's report the Committee demonstrate
by stating that, on the very night Dr. Hamer's
report was presented, our own medical officer, in
pursuance of previous instructions, submitted a
recommendation that three inspectors be appointed
instead of one chief inspector. This recommendation
was immediately approved, and will no doubt
be sanctioned by the vestry.
Comments by the Medical Officer.
Dr. Hamer had no information that two
temporary inspectors were appointed in September,
1893.
In conclusion, I submit that in no single particular has any inaccuracy in Dr. Hamer's report
been established, and I am satisfied it gives a fair and correct account of the condition of Lambeth.
I note the proposal of the Sanitary Committee to increase the staff of the Vestry's sanitary inspectors.
The sufficiency of the staff which will then exist will no doubt in due time be considered by the
Council's Public Health Committee.
Shirley F. Murphy,
Medical Officer of Health.