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22
"The requirements of the Sanitary Inspectors are comprehensive.
The ventilation of house drains is insisted on, and all new drains are
subjected to the water test before being regarded as satisfactory.
"A return which I presented to the Council's Public Health Committee
in April of the present year, showed that while in the district of
St. Saviour there was one Sanitary Inspector to 13,581 inhabitants, it
was found necessary in St. Giles's to,employ one to every 7,956, and in
as many as eight London districts the strength of the sanitary staff was
in excess of that of St. Saviour's.
"Until February of last year there has been but one Sanitary
Inspector, and the arrears of work in the district must therefore have
been considerable.
"That much progress has been made is beyond doubt, but in view
of the character of the district, which I have endeavoured to describe in
the earlier pages of this report, I do not regard two Inspectors as
sufficient to maintain it in proper sanitary condition. The systematic
inspection of workshops still remains untouched, and the work which
will devolve upon the sanitary authority in connection with the registration
of houses let in lodgings will make further important demands
upon the efforts of the staff."
In conclusion, Mr. Murpliy adds:—
(1). "I am satisfied that the representations of the Mansion House
Council as to the condition of houses in the district were substantially
accurate, and that these conditions had grown up as a result of the
insufficiency of the staff. The sanitary authority had, before my
inspection began, endeavoured to remedy the defects, and in this work
they had been materially aided by the appointment of the second
Sanitary Inspector in the early part of last year, practically doubling
their staff. The work of improvement which has been done deserves
recognition on acconnt of its thoroughness. I am, however, of opinion
that two Inspectors are insufficient, especially in view of the necessity
of a systematic inspection of workshops, and in view of the duties which
must devolve upon the staff in connection with the regulation of houses
let in lodgings.
(2). "There is need for the sanitary authority to provide a proper
mortuary.
(3). "The present disinfecting oven should be replaced by one in
which the disinfection is effected by steam."
With regard to the number of Sanitary Inspectors, the
Sanitary Committee caused the following letter to be addressed
to the Council:—
"Board of Works for the St. Saviour's District,
Emerson Street, Bankside, Southwark, S.E.
18th July, 1894.
"Sir,
"The Sanitary Committee of this Board have considered
your letter of the 22nd of February last, enclosing copy of a report by
the Council's Medical Officer of Health on the sanitary condition and
administration of the St. Saviour's District, and urging that, in view of
the circumstances mentioned in the report, a larger number of Sanitary
Inspectors for the District should be appointed.