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23
Reviewing the past, 1 am forced to the conclusion that
efforts have been made to cover up the past neglect of
proper enforcement of drainage bye-laws, by endeavouring
to directly place the Inspector of Nuisances in control,
consequently to remove my efforts from that sphere, to
control the extent of repairs to drainage, and to generally
limit the whole sphere of administration which is incumbent
on me as advising and controlling officer to deal with in a
personal manner. It is of course a matter for regret that
there should have been laxity in enforcing the bye-laws,
but is it, even if the reputation of the responsible officials
be implicated, good administration to continue to endeavour
to restrain the Medical Officer of Health in his endeavours
to execute his duty, in the discovery of nuisances and their
abatement? Considering the importance of the protection
of the health of the district, I deliberately affirm it would be
better policy to endeavour to continuously adopt more
reassuring public administration by supporting the Medical
Officer of Health in his efforts to deal with conditions which
have unfortunately ari sen through past laxity and so give
assurance for the future. To secure this there seems only
one possible solution, and that is an enquiry by some expert
Authority, who is well acquainted with the essentials for
good government and the administrative measures required
to secure that end. For that purpose I would respectfully
ask the Council to again approach the Local Government
Board, with a request for an enquiry by one of their
Inspectors. If, after enquiry, it is found that an easy
solution of existing difficulties can be discovered, the Council
will be in a stronger position, or, on the other hand, if
there is a serious condition of things existing which requires
amendment, the Council will have the benefit of expert
advice to assist them in putting their house in order.