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53
when the full staff were on duty. It was found on this occasion that there
were some grounds for complaint, as the ventilation was defective, and there
was also overcrowding.
Complaints had also been made as to nuisance caused by the smell of
cooking on the premises, and exaggerated charges made in the Press as to
the conditions under which the staff were working; but although the
conditions found certainly required amendment, the facts had been greatly
overstated.
It should be noted that the Postmaster-General claims that buildings of
his Department are exempt from inspection by officers of Sanitary Authorities
There can be no doubt that Government establishments should be subject to
the same supervision by the Sanitary Authorities as other workplaces, and
certainly Government employes should work under as healthy conditions as
those of private individuals. Similar objection had been raised on previous
occasions, but as the Postmaster-General stated that he is always disposed to
meet the wishes of Local Authorities so far as they are reasonably practicable,
and as it was understood that the Post Office Authorities were making
arrangements for the transfer of this staff to better quarters, the question of
right of entry in this instance was not of much importance.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
In 13 cases only, out of 1,191 Notices issued during the year by the
District Inspectors, was it found necessary in consequence of non-compliance
to refer the matter to the City Solicitor with a view to taking such steps as he
deemed necessary to ensure the required sanitary improvement being carried
out. With 5 exceptions—now being dealt with—the Notices were subsequently
complied with without the matter being taken into Court.