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59
DEPARTMENTAL.
The staff of the Public Health Department consists of, in addition to the
medical officer of health, a deputy medical officer of health (Dr. Bywater),
two drainage inspectors, one outdoor superintendent, one meat and food inspector,
one house-to-house inspector, five district inspectors, three women sanitary
inspectors, one dust inspector, one chief and four assistant clerks and an office youth.
The keeper of the public mortuary, the matron and the one female and two
male members of the staff of the shelter and baths, the two disinfectors, the men
and women attendants at the underground conveniences, and the men employed in
flushing the overground conveniences are also attached to the department and
immediately responsible to the Public Health Committee.
The high standard set for the work in previous years was well maintained
during 1913 by the staff. Some details of what was done are given in the following
pages.
Staff Meetings.
The practice of holding staff meetings originated in 1912 was continued
throughout the year, and as was anticipated, proved of real value in the working of
the department. The total number of meetings held was six. A variety of subjects
was discussed, including Housing and Town Planning records, underground room
records, overcrowding, phthisis in common lodging houses, water supply (drinking
water cisterns), disinfection; food inspection in public-houses, hotels and restaurants,
boarding and apartment houses; the use of dirty bottles for milk; examination of
drains; back to back houses; gas stoves and ventilation; weight and composition of
lead pipes, etc.
These were all raised by individual members of the staff, and as a result of the
tree and open discussion that followed a number of difficulties which had been
experienced were to some extent cleared away.
PROTECTION OF THE FOOD SUPPLY.
The main duties in relation to this matter were carried out by Inspector Smith,
who made inspections of premises in which food is sold, stored or prepared, and acted
as inspector under the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts.
Food Inspection.—There was no change in the method of carrying out the work
of food inspection during the year. The special Saturday night and Sunday
inspections in market streets, etc., were continued, and in carrying them out
Inspector Smith received the assistance of other members of the staff having the
necessary qualifications and experience.
On a great many occasions the inspector was called by vendors to examine
articles of food under Section 47(8) of the Public Health (London) Act, 1891, and
to accept surrender of such as were unsound, or unwholesome or unfit for food.