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clerk for School Medical purposes, left on the 30th November and
the vacancy remained unfilled at the end of the year. Mr. D. A.
Massam, a temporary junior, left on the 30th August, and Mrs.
Alsford, a part-time shorthand typist, left on the 21st January and
were not replaced.
In October, 1947, the question of temporary staff was considered
by the Council and it was decided to place Miss J. Campbell on
the permanent establishment, and to retain Miss J. Dupille in a
temporary capacity until the 1st November, 1948, when the matter
would be again reviewed.
Miss D. N. Callund resigned her appointment as Matron of
Sheen Gate Gardens Day Nursery and left on the 6th February,
1947. Mrs. S. O. Brown was appointed to fill the vacancy and commenced
duties on 24th March.
SANITARY INSPECTION OF DISTRICT.
The position with respect to the work of the Sanitary Inspectors
eased somewhat during the year with the appointment of an
additional Inspector to bring the staff up to establishment. More
time was devoted to the inspection of food preparation premises
and similar food visits. It is only recently, with improved facilities
for repairs and extensions, that it has been practicable for necessary
work to be required in order to bring such premises up to the standard
envisaged at the time of the passing of the Food and Drugs
Act, 1938. A lot remains to be done in this direction, particularly
with regard to the habits and conduct of employees in the food
handling processes.
With regard to the general work of the Sanitary Inspectors,
housing conditions have taken up a large proportion of the time
of the staff. Although the restrictions on building activity have
been eased considerably, there is still a large amount of leeway to
make up in the matter of dilapidations, a good proportion, of
course, being due to war damage.
The economic position of property owners, and the higher cost
of building work have repercussions on the standard of repair and
maintenance. Many owners, finding that mounting costs tend to
make liabilities of their assets are reluctant to comply with notices,
and extra persuasion and effort is called for, with the resultant
increase in re-visits, interviews, correspondence, etc.
RODENT CONTROL.
In accordance with the requirements of the Ministry of Agriculture
and Fisheries (Rodent Control Division), the task of controlling
rodent infestation in the sewers was commenced. A "test" baiting