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a whole row of houses. The very large buildings containing offices that now,
in most cases, occupy the sites of these old tenement houses, take up far
more time in inspection than the premises they have displaced, because, as a
rule, they have a separate block of sanitary conveniences on every floor,
each of which has to be carefully examined at the request of a class of
people far more exacting than that which occupied the old houses. It is
true that many of these places are fitted with lifts, but nevertheless the
work is laborious, entailing as it does, so much going up and down stairs.
It frequently happens that an Inspector may have a dozen large buildings
in hand at once where the entire system of drainage of each is being
reconstructed, no portion of which is allowed to be covered up until he has
inspected and tested it in sections. He has also to exercise a careful supervision
in each case in order to secure that the works in progress are conducted
strictly in accordance with the plans deposited at this office, from which no
variations are allowed without the sanction of the Medical Officer of Health.
A Sanitary Inspector in the City may be therefore almost considered
to be acting as a Clerk of the Works on a large scale, but with greater
responsibilities. His duties are such that it is not infrequent for his views to
clash with those of property owners, contractors and architects, and it is clear
that not only must he have an intimate knowledge of his profession—which
can only be acquired by an extensive practical experience—but he must
possess much tact and discrimination to ensure that the Corporation
requirements are fulfilled in their entirety. It is highly satisfactory to
record the fact that no complaints are ever received as to the manner in
which these duties are performed in the City of London, and further, that it is
a rare occurrence to be compelled to take proceedings for non-compliance with
statutory notices.
AREA.
The City of London Registration District comprises an area of 672.7 acres
(excluding tidal water and foreshore), or 1.051 square miles, equal to a
square of 1.0252 miles to a side.
The area of "Registration London" is 74,817 acres (excluding tidal water
and foreshore), or 116.9 square miles, equal to a square of 10.81 miles to a
side.
DENSITY (1907).
City of London, Registration District, at night 30.2 persons to an acre.
„ „ „ „ during the day *56.5 „ „
Registration London, at night - 63.6 „ „
„ „ during the day not known. No Imperial Day Census has yet been
taken.
* This figure refers only to persons "actively engaged in the City during the daytime." The actual
number of people visiting the City daily is probably nearly 1,500,000.