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49
to use the method they consider most suitable. Whatever method
is used, it is important to bear in mind that, in order to get an
accurate picture of the position the inspection, once started, should
be completed within the shortest possible time. Otherwise the
movement of the population and other factors might invalidate
the results.
In November, 1935, the Minister fixed the appropriate dates as
follows:—
(1) For completion of inspection, 1st April, 1936.
(2) For submission of report, 1st June, 1936.
(3) For submission of Authority's proposals, 1st August, 1936.
In view of the hope expressed by the Minister of Health that
each Local Authority, without waiting for further communication,
should at once take the necessary steps to commence the survey in
their area and complete it in the shortest possible time, the Council
appointed a temporary staff of 20 enumerators, 7 survey assistants
and 6 clerks. Fortunately the premises in the Town Hall vacated
in September, 1935, by the school dental and minor ailment treatment
clinic were vacant, and it was possible to accommodate the
temporary staff in these premises. Mr. G. F. Leserve, Chief Clerk
of the Department, had rendered most valuable assistance in making
the preliminary administrative arrangements, and the temporary
staff was therefore put under his direct supervision and control.
It will be appreciated that a comprehensive survey of this nature
involved a tremendous amount of attention to detail ; and the
smooth, efficient and expeditious manner in which the survey has
been carried out reflects great credit on the organising ability and
supervision devoted to the work by Mr. Leserve, who submits the
following description of the procedure adopted in making the
survey.
Preliminary House-to-house Survey.
The general scheme contemplated a preliminary house-to-house
survey of all working class houses in the area designed primarily
to ascertain the amount of overcrowding.
The preliminary survey was commenced on 30th December,
1935. A temporary staff of 20 enumerators was engaged to carry