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6
3. That much small property in the district is being replaced by commercial premises,
and that the consequent decrease in population will lead to a less amount of work being
necessary under the Food and Drugs Act.
These points, however, do not affect the fact that the staff is at present inadequate to deal
with conditions now existing in the district and requiring action by the vestry. Further, the substitution
of commercial premises for houses and a possible decrease in the resident population does not
necessarily mean a lessened amount of inspectorial-duties if these premises comprise a large number
of work-places. The conditions- enumerated in the earlier part of the report are mostly such as can be
readily dealt with under the Public Health Act, but it may be desirable to resort to the powers which
the vestry possess under the Housing of the Working' Classes Act, in the case of some of the older
houses in the parish, as well as in such cases as Baltic-place and court, and Beckford-square, where
there is an absence of rear space.
The method of collection of house refuse in the parish requires to be further improved, so as to
secure the cleansing of ashpits at all premises once in each week.
The shelter which is being provided for the use of persons during the disinfection of their rooms
is, as at present proposed, open to objection in being approached by the entrance and staircase which
also leads to apartments reserved for the vestry's wharf superintendent, and it is desirable that one
room should be set apart for use as a bathroom.
The addition of a separate chamber to the mortuary for the bodies of persons dying of
infectious complaints is also desirable.
C. W. F. Young,
Assistant Medical Officer of Health.