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84
SANITARY SECTION.
This section of the report relating to sanitary circumstances
and housing, and statistics as to food inspection has been compiled
by Mr. R. A. Baskett, B.E.M., M.S.I.A., Chief Sanitary Inspector.
With additional inspectorial staff efforts were directed to the
resumption of the routine work of the Department and to effect
some further recovery from the ravages of war. Follow-up work
was more effectively carried out and as a result of 12,945 reinspections
5,460 sanitary notices Were complied, as compared with
1,357 the previous year. Notwithstanding the priority given to
work required by sanitary notice, it has to be acknowledged that
much energy has been expended to obtain but little improvement.
The co-operation of the Council's Housing Department in the
prompt issue of building licences has in the majority of cases ensured
the completion of works with the minimum of delay.
By way of health education, lectures and talks to local organisations
were given by the Inspectors, to the mutual benefit of both
staff and public. In addition the Department has participated in
the training of selected ex-service men as Sanitary Inspectors under
the Government rehabilitation scheme. It is pleasing to report
that all the students trained in this Department were successful in
obtaining the qualifying certificate of the Royal Sanitary Institute
and Sanitary Inspector's Examination Joint Board.
The staff of the Sanitary Section during the year consisted of
one Assistant Inspector, one Shops' Inspector, six District Inspectors,
a Deputy and Chief Sanitary Inspector. Of this staff the
Assistant Inspector commenced duty in August,1947, and Messrs.
Tonkin and Thurston (District Sanitary Inspectors seconded to
the Housing Department for the repair of war damage to houses)
returned on the 3rd March, 1947, and 17th November, 1947, respectively.
There were also one disinfector, one mortuary attendant,
two rodent operators, one drain cleaner, one clerk and two typists.
The work of the Department was facilitated by the tolerance
of the public in realising that only essential work can be carried
out in these days of shortage and austerity.