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115
destruction and are expecting a report from an Engineer on the matter, it
is, I think a favourable time to consider the advisability of erecting
disinfecting plant in connection with a destructor, as probably there would
be economy both in the cost of erection and in the subsequent working if
the two were carried out in conjunction.
In the same scheme, too, provision should be made for a "shelter"
for the use of persons during the period necessary for the disinfection of
their dwellings, is required by the Public Health (London) Act.
Dr. Wing's remarks on the water supply, the sanitary staff and the
By-laws, deal with matters which are perfectly familiar to the
Committee and need not be gone into.
The final portion of Dr. Young's report is of a nature that must be
satisfactory to the Vestry, bearing testimony as it does to the amount of
work accomplished by the Sanitary Authority and also to the thoroughness
with which the work is done.
I have briefly touched upon the main features of the report, and to
sum up I might say that all the facts mentioned have, at various times,
been brought under your notice, and that, looking at it as a whole, the
report cannot be regarded as entirely unsatisfactory.
With regard to the recommendations of Dr. Young, I have already
dealt with the question of disinfection and the provision of a shelter, and
i would urge the Vestry to carry out his recommendation to appoint
another Inspector. Although a great deal has been accomplished, an
immense amount remains to be done, and, unfortunately, from the nature
of the buildings, which has been alluded to, and the character of many of
the residents, a large proportion of the property requires frequent and
regular inspection, which cannot be, with the present staff, undertaken.
I might mention that even with an additional Inspector the proportion of
persons and houses to each Inspector would still be considerably over
that obtaining in London and in other large towns in England, the
figures being:—
Houses. Persons.
London 2556 18787
15 Large Towns 2700 15000
Fulham, with 5 Inspectors 3000 23000
If another Inspector were appointed, a house-to-house inspection of
the parish could be proceeded with more vigorously, steps could be taken
to register all the tenement houses and secure the enforcement of the
By-laws made in their respect, and the provisions of the Factory and
Workshops Acts could also be carried out.
I trust, therefore, the Vestry will see the necessity of appointing
another Inspector, so that the various Acts for the administration of which
they as the Sanitary Authority are responsible may be efficiently carried
out, which would undoubtedly be in every way of benefit to the parish.
I am,
Yours obediently,
J. CHAS. JACKSON,
To the Chairman and Members,
Sanitary Committee.