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Dr. Win. Harvey, mid although he had outlived his contemporaries there
are many men yet living who can remember his great and successful
exertions to secure the purchase of Finsbury-park, of itself sufficient to
entitle him to the lasting gratitude of t he inhabitants of this district.
He was also instrumental in securing the improvement of Islingtongreen.
On the 10th June, 1890, the Vestry lost by death an old and
faithful servant in Henry Isaac Collingwood, who had presided over
the Sanitary Staff of the Vestry with great ability since his appointment
in 18(57. The remarks made by the Medical Officer of Health in
concluding his report for last year with regard to Mr. Collingwood will
be endorsed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him intimately.
Mr. James R. Leggatt,Chief Sanitary Inspector of Wigan, was appointed
to succeed him as Superintendent of the Sanitary Department on
July 25tli, 1890.
The doubts expressed in last year's report as to the restoration
to health and work of another old servant have been confirmed. The
resignation of Mr. Charles Higgins, who, after an experience of eight
years with the old Commissioners of Sewers, had for 34 years held the
appointment of Surveyor of Sewers and Buildings in the Parish of
Islington, was received in July, 1890, the Vestry having previously
awarded him, in consideration of his long and valuable services, the full
superannuation allowance it was entitled to grant under 29 Vic., c. 31.*
Mr. Higgins' old foreman, Enoch Browning—the faithful although
humble coadjutor in his work both in Islington and with the Commissioners
of Sewers—having become too old and infirm for duty, retired
about the same time as his superior officer, with the result that a lifetime's
honest devotion to duty was in his case also recognised by a
superannuation allowance.
* This allowance was not granted too soon, nor too long enjojed. On the 6th
of June, 1801, Mr. Higgins died. He was buried in his family grave at
Fiuchley, many of his old friends and colleagues being present on the occasion. A
touching incident in connection with his interment was the attendance at the cemetery
of a number of sewirmen to pay their last respects to their chief. One named Richard
Emmett stated that he had worked under Mr. Higgins for over 44 years.