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47
The whole arrangements of the office were then carefully considered
by the Special Committee, and certain changes having been
made in the mode of transacting the business, and the duties of the
subordinate officers modified accordingly, Mr. James Plater, who
had been engaged as auxiliary clerk for 2£ years, was appointed
at a salary of £100 per annum, increasing at the rate of .£10 a
year to £150, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr.
Pbippard, and Mr. Henry Thomas Brookcr was appointed copying
clerk, at a salary of £70 per annum. The salary of Mr. Beacall,
nccountant, was at the same time increased by £20 to £180 per
annum.
Surveyor's Department.—The administration of business in
this department has formed the subject of careful investigation during
the year. Some important alterations have been made in the system
of business, and further changes are in contemplation, consequent
upon the approaching termination of the engagement of Mr. A. P.
Howell, the Surveyor. The Vestry have decided to require the
Surveyor about to be appointed in succession to Mr. Howell to
I devote his whole time to their service. Rules have been framed
for the better checking of payments in respect of wages, and for a
more complete system of stock-keeping. A vacancy caused by
the resignation of the Clerk of the Works was filled by the
appointment of a Clerk of the Stoneyard with considerably altered
duties. A new Foreman of Sweepers has also been appointed.
Public Analyst.—In consequence of inconveniences attending
the use of the Laboratory at the Vestry Hall, an arrangement has
been made with Dr. James Edmunds, the Public Analyst, to
conduct analyses under the Sale of Food and Drugs Act at his
private laboratory, No. 8, Grafton Street, the Vestry making an
allowauce of £25 per annum in consideration of Dr. Edmunds
using his own laboratory, materials, and appliances. By this
arrangement a large room in the Vestry Hall is set free for general
Vestry purposes.
General.— With the exception of an increase in the salary of the
Inspector of Nuisances by the sum of £20 to £120 per aunurn, and an